A major dust storm hit the northern parts of Gujarat in the early hours of Sunday. The weather disturbance was caused by the induced circulation due to the Western Disturbances that originated over parts of Rajasthan.

The Met office has predicted isolated cases of heavy rain in some parts of Gujarat on Monday, before the weather disturbance moves to Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas.

Kamaljit Ray, Director in-charge of the Indian Meteorological Region, Gujarat, said: “Some thunderstorm activity was witnessed over parts of Saurashtra and northern Gujarat leading to Ahmedabad.”

Although Rajasthan witnessed heavy rainfall, the impact was largely restricted to high-speed winds in Gujarat, Ray added.

The weather department further informed that these dust storms are a routine phenomenon in the region at this time of the year, as the summer heating of air causes low-pressure areas, which in turn induces circulation.

Explaining the impact on agriculture produce in the state, Ray elaborated: “We suspect minimal impact on the harvesting season, as there was hardly any rain in the state. The speedy winds might have affected standing crops like grapes, but to what extent, is not clear as of now.”

Source: expressindia