IPL 2026 Final, RCB vs GT: IMD issues alert in Ahmedabad as rain threatens blockbuster final | Today’s news
As cricket fans gear up for the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), weather conditions in Ahmedabad have emerged as a key talking point ahead of the title clash.
While the city began Sunday with bright sunshine and clear skies, the local weather office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for parts of Gujarat, warning of strong winds and possible thunderstorms. The forecast raised concerns about whether the weather could affect one of the tournament’s biggest matches.
Clear morning but rain fears remain
Ahmedabad has been dealing with intense heat for the past few days, with temperatures soaring to 43.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
High temperatures have prompted heatwave warnings in some parts of the region. However, changing weather patterns have also increased the chance of thunderstorms and rainfall in the coming days.
Although forecasts indicate that Ahmedabad and nearby areas are likely to receive more widespread rainfall from June 1, weather experts have not ruled out the possibility of rain interruption during the IPL final on Sunday.
Fans and organizers will be closely monitoring the weather throughout the day.
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yellow Alert Issued In parts of Gujarat
A yellow alert issued by the Meteorological Department indicates the possibility of adverse weather conditions including gusty winds and thunderstorms in some areas of the state.
While Ahmedabad itself remained sunny during the morning hours, changing weather conditions later in the day could affect the course of the match.
The prospect of rain revived memories of previous IPL matches in Ahmedabad that were marred by inclement weather.
Read also | Delhi Weather Today: Rain, lightning and wind speed up to 60 km/h likely on Sunday
What happens when rain interrupts the IPL final?
The IPL has a designated day for the finals in case the scheduled match cannot be completed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
But weather forecasts suggest Monday could be wetter than Sunday, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Tournament rules allow officials to extend efforts to complete a match on the scheduled day, even if the contest must be shortened.
Organizers are expected to explore all possible options to end the final on Sunday before action moves to a reserve day.
If both days are lost, who wins?
The tournament also has a provision if the final cannot be completed on the scheduled day or on the reserve day.
In this scenario, Royal Challengers Bengaluru would be declared champions as they finished above Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 points table.
The rule gives more importance to performances in the league stage and serves as a tiebreaker in exceptional circumstances where a result cannot be achieved.
Read also | IPL 2026: What happens when rain washes away for good between RCB and GT?
Ahmedabad has seen IPL weather disruption before
The possibility of weather disruption is not unprecedented for Ahmedabad.
In 2023, the IPL final between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings was moved to a reserve day after thunderstorms and heavy rain left parts of the city waterlogged on the original day of the match.
This match eventually went on to a reserve day and produced one of the most memorable IPL finals in recent history.
The latest weather forecast has some fans reminiscing about the incident as they await Sunday’s title fight.
GT travel plans are also affected by the weather
Adverse weather conditions had an effect on Gujarat Titans even as they progressed to the final.
After their win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday, the team’s return trip to Ahmedabad was delayed due to adverse weather conditions in northwest India.
According to reports, the temporary closure of the Chandigarh runway has affected several flights, causing delays and diversions.
Read also | IPL 2026: How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned ₹33 crore for RR
As a result, the Gujarat Titans squad reportedly landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday night close to 11:00 PM.
Two teams are chasing the second IPL crown
Weather concerns aside, the final is of great importance to both teams.
Gujarat Titans, who won the 2022 IPL title, are appearing in their third final and will be looking to secure their second championship in front of their home crowd.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, ended an 18-year wait for an IPL title when they defeated Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad last year. The defending champions are now looking to add a second trophy to their cabinet.
With two former champions set to battle it out for the title and the weather forecast adding an element of uncertainty, all eyes will be on Ahmedabad as the IPL 2026 season draws to a close.
