Ahmedabad: Overcast skies and a light drizzle brought welcome respite from the July heat on Tuesday, as the city recorded an average of 3mm rainfall until 6pm. The day’s maximum temperature plummeted to 31.3°C — 1.7 notches below normal — making it one of the coolest days this month, even as high humidity levels ranged between 78% and 85%.At 26.8°C, the minimum temperature was 0.9 degree higher than normal.According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the city may experience cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers on Wednesday.While the city got mild showers, many parts of Gujarat witnessed heavy downpour. Navsari’s Vansda got 124mm of rainfall, , followed by 102mm in Chikhli (Navsari), 98mm in Kaprada (Valsad), 93mm in Vaghai (Dang), and 91mm in Bardoli (Surat) among others. In all, 18 talukas received 50mm or more rain, according to State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).Despite this, the state as a whole continues to stare at a grim 31% rain deficit, with Kutch and parts of north Gujarat facing severe dry spells that exceed a 50% shortage.According to IMD, the state currently has 31% rain deficit with several of the districts having more than 50% less rain compared to normal. The most affected are Kutch and parts of north Gujarat, according to IMD data.Relief may soon arrive on a wider scale. The IMD has forecast an escalation in rain activity over the coming days. Some parts of south Gujarat including Navsari, Valsad, Narmada, Surat, Dang and Tapi, are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected at isolated places in Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, and Chhota Udepur on Wednesday. Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are also expected to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday, according to the forecast.
