IMD predicts rain in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: The IPL 2026 final has a familiar enemy in the weather. As Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to battle it out in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the Met department has forecast rain or thundershowers in the city, reigniting fears of a repeat of the rain-marred 2023 final that left thousands of fans disappointed at the same venue. Large parts of Gujarat are likely to experience thunderstorms, gusty winds and scattered rainfall over the next several days.

For many, the forecast is an unwelcome flashback. The 2023 IPL final, also staged in Ahmedabad, was postponed after persistent rain disrupted what should have been a marquee night for Indian cricket, with Gujarat Titans eventually going on to defend their title against Chennai Super Kings. The prospect of history repeating itself at the world’s largest cricket stadium has put fans arriving from across the country on edge.

The latest forecast for Gujarat indicates a significant change from the intense summer conditions seen in recent weeks. While temperatures are expected to remain above 40°C in isolated pockets for the next couple of days, a gradual fall of 3-5 degrees is likely as pre-monsoon activity strengthens across the state. For Ahmedabad, IMD has also forecast lightning and gusts of up to 50-60 kmph at isolated locations.

Weather officials have linked the changing conditions to a combination of atmospheric systems, including a western disturbance, cyclonic circulation over Pakistan and troughs extending across western India. At the same time, the southwest monsoon has advanced further over parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, creating favourable conditions for increased moisture incursion.

The most active phase of the weather system is expected between June 1 and 3, when rainfall activity is likely to become more widespread in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Anand and adjoining districts. Heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for parts of Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod and Mahisagar during the period.

The IMD’s forecast for Ahmedabad on Sunday predicts a cloudy sky with the maximum temperature around 40°C. Officials have advised people to remain alert to thunderstorm warnings, avoid sheltering under trees during lightning activity and stay updated on weather advisories.