Heavy Rains Expected in Gujarat from August 30

Heavy Rains Expected in Gujarat: On Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that a rare cyclone, named Cyclone Asna, is forming over the Saurashtra-Kutch region in Gujarat. This cyclone is unusual because only three cyclones formed over the Arabian Sea in August from 1891 to 2023. The cyclone is expected to move over the Arabian Sea and head towards Oman.

Heavy Rainfall Forecasts

The IMD has predicted "very heavy" rains for Gujarat, particularly in Saurashtra and Kutch, starting on August 30. Gujarat will likely see continued heavy rains on September 1. An offshore trough, a weather system that influences rain, will extend from the south Gujarat coast to the north Kerala coast, causing extensive rainfall along the western coastline.

Alerts Issued

Due to the expected heavy rains, the IMD has issued various weather alerts:

• Red Alert for Coastal Karnataka on August 30.
• Orange Alerts for Saurashtra-Kutch, South Interior Karnataka, Kerala on August 30, and for North Interior Karnataka on August 31. Additionally, Gujarat, Konkan-Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra will be under orange alerts on September 2-3.
• Coastal districts of Gujarat, including Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Dwarka, also have an orange alert.

Rainfall in Other Regions

Konkan, Goa, and the ghats of central Maharashtra are expected to see very heavy rainfall from August 30 to September 5. Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe will experience light to moderate rainfall during this period, with isolated heavy rainfall likely in Coastal Karnataka on August 30.

Impact on Monsoon and Other Areas

IMD scientist Soma Sen explained that the Monsoon trough is currently south of its usual position. Two significant weather systems are affecting the region: a deep depression over the Kutch coast and a low-pressure system off the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast. The depression is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone soon and move away from the Indian coast.

Also read: Cyclone Asna: Impact and Key Details to Know

Due to these weather systems, Delhi will experience a dry spell for the next three days, with light to moderate rainfall expected later as the systems move inland.