The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert as Severe Cyclonic Storm Shakhti continues to move westwards off the Gujarat coast, warning fishermen to avoid venturing into the northwest Arabian Sea due to dangerous sea conditions.

Cyclone Shakhti’s Path and Current Position

According to the IMD evening bulletin, the cyclone was centered at 5:30 PM IST about:

• 580 km west of Dwarka,

• 580 km west-southwest of Naliya,

• 510 km southwest of Karachi (Pakistan),

• 390 km east of Ras Al Hadd (Oman), and

• 490 km east-northeast of Masirah (Oman).

The storm is expected to continue moving west-southwestwards, reaching the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by October 5. From the morning of October 6, the system is projected to curve east-northeastwards and gradually weaken.

IMD Issues Fishermen Advisory

The IMD warning advises fishermen to avoid entering the northwest Arabian Sea and areas along the Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts from October 4 to 7. Strong winds and rough seas pose a significant risk to small boats and fishing activities.

Rainfall Recorded Across Gujarat

Parts of Gujarat, including Dwarka and Ambaji, experienced rainfall on Saturday. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that Dwarka recorded 38mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 6 AM on Saturday — the highest in the state.

• Ambaji, the famous temple town, saw sudden heavy showers that caused waterlogging in several areas, including local markets.

• Sabarkantha and Kutch also experienced light to moderate rain spells.

• In Ahmedabad, the maximum temperature dropped to 34.2°C, which is 1.5°C below normal, while the minimum settled at 25°C.

The IMD forecast indicates occasional light rain for Ahmedabad on Sunday, with heavy rainfall expected on October 8 and 9 in parts of south Gujarat.

Additional Weather Systems in Eastern India

Meanwhile, a cyclonic circulation with a well-marked low-pressure area is active over West Jharkhand and adjoining south Bihar, moving westwards. This system could influence rainfall activity in parts of central India in the coming days.

Key Points to Remember

• Cyclone Shakhti is moving westwards and will change direction from October 6, gradually weakening.

• Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid the northwest Arabian Sea from October 4–7.

• Dwarka recorded 38mm rainfall, the highest in the state.

• Heavy rain is expected in south Gujarat on October 8–9.

• Ahmedabad is likely to receive light showers, with temperatures slightly below normal.