Unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds, hail, and dust storms swept across Gujarat on Monday evening, claiming 14 lives and disrupting normalcy in several districts during what is typically the height of summer.
According to official data recorded between May 4 and May 6 at 10 am, the highest number of deaths occurred in Kheda district, where four people lost their lives. Two individuals died after trees fell on them, while two others were killed in separate incidents involving the collapse of a building and a makeshift roof.
Vadodara reported three deaths&mdash;two due to electrocution and one as a result of a hoarding collapse. Two deaths each were also reported in Ahmedabad, Aravalli, and Dahod.&nbsp;
In Aravalli, both victims were struck by lightning. In Dahod, the deaths were caused by falling trees, while in Ahmedabad, one person died from a lightning strike and another after a hoarding fell. In Anand, a woman died when a wall collapsed on her during the storm.
The adverse weather conditions impacted around 54 talukas across 12 districts, predominantly affecting the regions of Saurashtra, Kutch, and central Gujarat.&nbsp;
Ahmedabad witnessed a severe dust storm followed by heavy rainfall during the night. Strong winds led to 46 tree collapses out of 75 reported incidents in the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast additional rainfall in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 km/h caused widespread dust storms, drastically reducing visibility and leading to hoardings toppling onto roads in several areas.
The IMD attributed the sudden change in weather to an upper air cyclonic circulation over south Pakistan and adjoining southwest Rajasthan. In a bulletin, the department stated, &ldquo;The upper air cyclonic circulation over south Pakistan &amp; adjoining southwest Rajasthan extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level persists.&rdquo;
The department predicts light to moderate rain and thundershowers to continue across all districts of Gujarat as well as the Union Territories of Diu, Daman, and Dadra &amp; Nagar Haveli over the coming week.
Between May 5 and May 12, districts including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Kutch are expected to receive consistent rainfall. A drop in maximum temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius is also anticipated, offering temporary respite from the ongoing summer heat.
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Unseasonal weather across Gujarat led to 14 deaths, with trees, hoardings, and buildings collapsing

Storms, Rain, Winds Leave 14 Dead in Gujarat

Unseasonal weather across Gujarat led to 14 deaths, with trees, hoardings, and buildings collapsing

May 6, 2025 | 13:33 IST