Rain bring relief to Nagpur, thunderstorms cool Vidarbha districts

Nagpur: The city experienced a shift in weather on Friday afternoon as gusty winds brought relief after a scorching day under clear skies. The winds significantly lowered temperatures, offering respite from the heat. However, the squalls stirred up dust, reducing visibility across the city for over an hour. As the winds intensified, clouds blanketed the sky in the evening.

The strong gusts also uprooted several trees, causing minor disruptions, yet the public remained upbeat, welcoming the refreshing change. Some areas of the city reported lightning flashes and mild showers. The combination of cooler air, cloudy skies, and occasional rain provided relief on a day which started on a hot note. Authorities advised caution due to fallen trees and potential hazards from winds.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, forecasting rains and thunderstorms across all Vidarbha districts from next three days. Before the sudden change in weather, Nagpur sweltered at 40.6°C, making it the hottest city in Vidarbha on Friday. In contrast, Buldhana, Gadchiroli, and Gondia recorded temperatures ranging between 36°C and 37°C.

Thunderstorms and light showers swept through Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Amravati, Wardha, Washim, Akola, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal, bringing relief from the scorching conditions. Washim reported 1.9mm rainfall.

The IMD's alert advises residents to stay cautious due to potential gusty winds and lightning. As Vidarbha braces for this wet spell, the cooler weather is expected to provide much-needed relief from the region's intense heatwave.