Who Is Ambalal Patel? The Man Behind Gujarat's Accurate Weather Predictions

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 14:06 IST

Ambalal Patel's journey to becoming one of Gujarat's most talked-about weather voices began far from television studios and headlines

Heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunder during last year’s Navratri had brought veteran forecaster Ambalal Damodardas Patel into sharp public focus. While such predictions routinely spark debate, they also cemented Patel’s reputation as one of Gujarat’s most closely watched independent weather voices.

Born on September 1, 1947, in Rudatal village of Ahmedabad district to farmer Damodardas Patel, Ambalal Damodardas Patel hails from an agricultural background. He completed his B.Sc in Agriculture from BS College of Agriculture in Anand and joined the Government of Gujarat in 1972 as a Seed Agriculture Supervisor at the Seed Certification Agency in Ahmedabad.

Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving in the Agriculture Office and eventually as Assistant Director of Agriculture. He also worked at the Sector 15 Agriculture Laboratory Quality Control Office and the Soil Testing Biological Control Office before retiring in September 2005.

Ambalal Patel’s Weather Forecast Journey

Patel’s journey into weather forecasting began with his deep engagement with farmers. While discussing crops, he realised how crucial advance information about rainfall could be for agricultural planning. His interest in astrology led him to study classical texts such as Rain Forecast, Meghmahoday Granth and Varahi Samhita, from which he derived methods to predict weather patterns through astrological principles.

He made his first weather forecast in 1980. Since then, he has been issuing seasonal predictions, covering cold waves, heat spells, monsoon behaviour and transitional weather phases — and writing regularly in astrology monthlies, almanacs, dailies and weeklies.

Ambalal Patel’s Earthquake Prediction Controversy

At one point, during the tenure of former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, Ambalal Patel predicted an earthquake. The forecast reportedly led to administrative action, and he was arrested. The episode only added to his public profile, cementing his image as a bold and unconventional forecaster.

Ambalal Patel’s Awards

Over the years, Patel has received several recognitions, including awards from the International Astrology Institute and the Sardar Patel Krishi Seva Sanstha, along with other honours in the field of astrology. Despite operating outside official meteorological institutions, his guidance has often been sought informally for weather-related insights.

Ambalal Patel’s Family

On the personal front, Patel’s family reflects a diverse professional background. His son Rajendra Patel, a doctor who previously served in the cancer department in the United States, now runs a children’s hospital in Dhrangadhra. His second son, Satish Patel, studied Information Technology and is engaged in business in Australia. His daughter, Alka Patel, is also a doctor and serves at a government hospital in Bardoli.

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