“The windows were rattling, and it broke my sleep around 5.30am. The house was filled with a layer of dust as we forgot to close the windows,” shared local resident Nishtha Sheth, reflecting on the unexpected weather that swept through Ahmedabad early Thursday morning.
The city experienced a brief but intense dust storm, which was accompanied by strong gusts of wind that reduced visibility in several localities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the weather conditions were linked to an upper air cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan.
As the storm subsided, sporadic showers were reported in the evening, with light drizzle noted in areas such as SG Highway, Bopal, and Chandkheda. Despite the chaotic weather, no deaths or major disasters have occurred, although the disruption raised concerns among farmers during the harvest season.
Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2°C and a minimum of 22.5°C on Thursday, with relative humidity levels ranging from 49% in the morning to 31% in the evening. Strong winds, recorded at speeds between 15 to 40 km/h, added to the day’s challenges.
Inbound flights were diverted to Indore due to the strong winds affecting Ahmedabad, highlighting the storm’s impact on transportation as well. The IMD has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in Ahmedabad over the next 24 hours, suggesting that the weather may remain unsettled.
Farmers are particularly worried about the risk of crop damage due to unseasonal rain and hail during this critical harvesting period. The situation is precarious, as they rely on stable weather conditions to secure their yields.
While the immediate effects of the storm have been felt, details regarding claims of heavy rains in the outskirts of Ahmedabad remain unconfirmed. As the city navigates this unpredictable weather, residents are left to brace for whatever comes next.
