Surat: After hampering the festive mood of Khelaiyas during the Garba celebrations in Navratri a few days ago, clouds are once again gathering and may dampen the Diwali festivities. Even though the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Gujarat, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest bulletin, has forecast light rain in some districts of South Gujarat during October 16–19, coinciding with the Diwali celebrations starting from Dhanteras on October 18.

According to the IMD bulletin, dry weather is likely across all districts of the state until October 15. From October 16, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at isolated places in South Gujarat districts — namely Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad — and in Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Dry weather is expected elsewhere.

Furthermore, from October 17 to 19, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at isolated places in Saurashtra districts — Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath — and in Diu; and at isolated places in South Gujarat, including Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, as well as in Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Dry weather is expected in the remaining districts of the state.

Temperature Outlook:

Maximum temperatures are expected to remain largely steady over the next week. Minimum temperatures are likely to stay steady for the next three days, with a gradual rise of 2–3°C thereafter.

As the forecast has been issued only until October 19, whether it will rain on Diwali day itself (October 20) will be revealed by the IMD in the next 1–2 days. DeshGujarat