Monsoon arrives in south Gujarat

In a respite to people reeling under heat wave conditions, heavy rains in several parts of Saurashtra and south Gujarat marked arrival of monsoon in the regions.

"Yesterday's rain marked the onset of monsoon in South Gujarat which will advance in other parts in next few days.

Apart from Saurashtra region, south Gujarat too registered considerable rainfall yesterday," said MeT department director Jayanta Sarkar.

According to the weatherman, in Saurashtra, Kodinar town of Junagadh received 15 inches of rainfall yesterday, followed by Mendarda with 11.02, Talala 7.48, Vanthali 6.69 and Una 6.29 inches.

Similarly, in south Gujarat, Vansda in Navsari district received a maximum rainfall of 3.54 inches, followed by Moti Naroli in Surat 1.57, Olpad in Surat 1.57 and Kaprada in Valsad district with 1.18 inches.

"Monsoon arrived late by almost a week as it usually arrives by June 9. As per our short term prediction, rain may occur in south Gujarat region in next couple of days," Sarkar said, adding that north Gujarat and other parts may remain dry despite cloudy weather due to weak monsoon system.