“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,” said local resident Nishtha Sheth, describing the chaos caused by a sudden dust storm that swept through Ahmedabad in the early hours of Thursday.
The storm brought strong gusts of wind, reducing visibility across several localities. Inbound flights were diverted to Indore as the weather conditions deteriorated, prompting concerns among travelers and residents alike.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the unusual weather was linked to an upper air cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan. This phenomenon not only caused the dust storm but also led to sporadic showers reported in the evening.
On Thursday, Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2°C and a minimum of 22.5°C. Relative humidity levels fluctuated between 49% in the morning and 31% in the evening, indicating a significant change in weather conditions.
Strong winds, ranging from 15 to 40 km/h, were recorded, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. Light drizzle was reported in areas such as SG Highway, Bopal, and Chandkheda, providing some relief from the heat.
Despite the widespread weather activity, no deaths or major disasters have been reported. However, the disruption has raised concerns among farmers, who are currently in the harvesting period and face the risk of crop damage due to unseasonal rain and hail.
The IMD has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in Ahmedabad over the next 24 hours, with expected surface wind speeds of 50-60 km/h. Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding claims of heavy rains in the outskirts of Ahmedabad, but the situation continues to evolve as the city grapples with these unexpected weather patterns.
