Surat: Pre-monsoon showers lashed parts of Surat city and district on Friday, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat and humidity that gripped the region over the past several days. While the city received light to moderate rainfall, several talukas in the district recorded significant precipitation.Umarpada received the highest rainfall at 72 mm, followed by Kamrej with 44mm, Mahuva with 32mm and Mandvi with 21mm between Friday morning and evening. In Surat city, several areas recorded about 5 mm of rainfall.The showers, accompanied by overcast skies and cool winds, brought down temperatures and offered respite to residents who were enduring uncomfortable weather conditions marked by high humidity and above-normal temperatures.Weather experts said the rainfall was part of pre-monsoon activity and not the onset of the southwest monsoon. They added that such scattered showers are common during the transition period and are likely to continue intermittently depending on local weather conditions.Meanwhile, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) intensified its pre-monsoon preparedness measures to minimise disruptions once the monsoon arrives in full force.Civic officials said efforts are underway to bring ongoing construction projects to a safe stage to prevent work sites from becoming hazardous or obstructing drainage during heavy rainfall. The civic body also accelerated desilting and cleaning of stormwater drains and drainage networks across the city.The exercise is aimed at improving water flow and preventing waterlogging, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Officials said special attention is being paid to removing silt, debris and other obstructions from drainage channels to ensure smooth discharge of rainwater and facilitate its flow into the Tapi River during the monsoon season.
