Lucknow: A different attitude of nature was seen in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Amidst the scorching heat, the weather suddenly took such a turn that within no time many districts of the state were engulfed in clouds. While the rains accompanied by strong winds in Awadh and Terai areas including the capital Lucknow have given relief to the general public from the scorching heat, it has also wreaked havoc on the standing crops in the fields. The situation was such that by 10 o’clock in the morning, due to dense clouds in many cities, a night-like scene could be seen during the day.

Mood changed in Lucknow: After morning sunshine, clouds set in

Friday morning in the capital Lucknow was sunny as usual, but at 9 o’clock the mood suddenly changed. Dark dense clouds coming from the north-west direction covered the entire city. Within no time the streets of the city became dark and it started raining heavily with high speed winds. Due to this unseasonal rain, a drop in mercury has been recorded, due to which people have heaved a sigh of relief, but this change has become a cause of concern for long-term crops.

Nature’s havoc in Barabanki and Gonda, hailstorm fell

The most extreme form of weather was seen in Barabanki and Gonda. Torrential rain that lasted for about 45 minutes disrupted life in Barabanki. At the same time, there was hailstorm along with rain in Umri Begumganj area of ​​Gonda. This sudden stone pelting and rain has broken the back of the farmers. Mustard crops harvested in the fields and potato crops ready for digging have been submerged in water, due to which huge losses are being estimated.

Clouds of crisis over crops in Ayodhya and Shravasti

Intermittent rain continued in Ram Nagri Ayodhya and surrounding areas like Sohawal, Milkipur and Rudauli. The weather department’s warning proved true and strong winds destroyed the standing wheat crop. In Shravasti and Bahraich also, rain accompanied by strong winds has caused considerable damage to mango blossoms, pigeon pea and mustard. Agricultural experts believe that if this trend of weather continues for the next 24 hours, it will have a direct impact on production.

Meteorological Department’s warning: Danger is not over yet

According to meteorologists, this change is being seen in the central and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh due to the activity of Western Disturbance. There is a possibility of thunderstorm and lightning in some other parts of the state in the coming 24 to 48 hours. The administration has advised farmers to keep the harvested crops in safe places and make proper arrangements for drainage.