Ahmedabad:
As the deep depression over east- central Arabian Sea further intensified into a cyclonic storm "Ashobaa", the weather department in Ahmedabad issued a warning to fishermen along the Gujarat coast, which is expected to receive heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours.
The cyclone may not have much effect on Gujarat as it is now lying 470 km southwest of Veraval and gradually moving north-northwestwards, Jayanta Sarkar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad, said.
"The cyclone is gradually moving away towards Oman. Thus, it won't have much impact on Gujarat. However, strong winds and heavy rainfall would make the sea conditions very rough. Thus we have issued a warning at coastal areas and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea during next 48 hours," said Jayanta Sarkar.
The administration is taking all the precautionary steps even though "Ashobaa" is not expected to make a landfall in the state.
"As per the current predictions, the cyclonic storm is not going to make landfall in Gujarat. However, we have already warned fishermen not to venture into the sea. We have also alerted all the district collectors of the coastal region to stay prepared for any unexpected turn of events," said state Relief Commissioner DN Pandey.
The storm will bring respite to the people, who are reeling under scorching heat for a long time, as the maximum temperature is expected to fall by almost 5 to 6 degrees in most parts of state, Met officials said.
"Under the influence of this system, light to moderate rain or thundershowers would occur at a few places in north Gujarat and Kutch. Moderate to heavy rain would occur at many places in south Gujarat and Saurashtra region, including coastal parts in next 48 hours," said Mr Sarkar.
Since early this morning, clouds have covered most parts of state, giving huge relief from scorching heat. Maximum temperature of the city may fall up to 6 to 7 degrees today, said Mr Sarkar.
"Yesterday, maximum temperature of city touched 43.7 degrees. Today, it will come down to 36 to 37 degree, a dip of almost 6 to 7 degrees. Similarly, temperatures will also decrease in other parts of Gujarat, as entire state is now experiencing cloudy weather," said Mr Sarkar.
Though many parts of Gujarat are now experiencing cloudy weather, the actual onset of monsoon in Gujarat is still away.
"This is not the official onset of monsoon in the state. This is mainly under the influence of the cyclonic storm. The actual monsoon is yet to arrive," he said.