Nagpur: Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and widespread rain since Monday afternoon brought much-needed relief to Nagpur and several parts of Vidarbha that were experiencing heatwave conditions over the past few days. Nagpur recorded 24mm rainfall till 8.30pm, reviving hopes of onset of southwest monsoon which has already been delayed by nearly a week. However, officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the rainfall activity was the result of local weather developments and should not be mistaken for arrival of the monsoon. As per meteorologists, the rain-bearing clouds developed due to westerly troughing and localised atmospheric instability. The IMD said it would take at least three more days before making any fresh assessment regarding the advancement of the southwest monsoon into Vidarbha. Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds uprooted at least five trees at different locations. As per fire department officials, trees fell near Pandav College in New Nandanvan, Mangalmurti Chowk, Padola Hospital Chowk, Lodhipura and on Airport Road near Airport Centre Point Hotel. Some trees collapsed onto roads, temporarily obstructing traffic movement. Fire brigade teams rushed to the spots and cleared the fallen trees. Officials said no injuries or casualties were reported in any of the incidents. No major rain-related emergencies were reported in the city.The fallen tree also damaged electricity lines, leading to a power outage in the locality. As residents assessed the situation, they quickly cordoned off the area and stopped the movement of vehicles and pedestrians due to the danger posed by live wires hanging over the road. The precautionary measures resulted in temporary traffic congestion. Residents alerted the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB), which responded promptly. Electricity department personnel reached the spot and disconnected the power supply to prevent any untoward incident. “We called MSEB and the team of tree-removal workers as soon as we learnt about the situation. They responded immediately and helped us secure the area. We are thankful for their quick action,” said Vijay Dafde, a resident of the locality. Officials said efforts were underway to remove the fallen tree, with clearance expected by Tuesday morning. Electricity supply is likely to be restored once the damaged lines are repaired and the area is declared safe. The rainfall, though brief, brought down temperatures and provided temporary respite from the oppressive weather. The mercury soared to 40 degrees Celsius before rains arrived.Power cuts were reported in multiple areas with some lasting more than two hours. Meanwhile, the monsoon made slight progress in Maharashtra on Monday, advancing further into parts of the state and reaching up to Pune. Weather experts noted that Vidarbha is also not receiving significant benefit from the low-pressure system and associated weather activity over the Bay of Bengal, which so far remained ineffective in pulling the monsoon current deeper into eastern Maharashtra. The delay has resulted in prolonged hot and humid conditions across the region. In fact, some districts of Vidarbha continued to experience heatwave conditions on Monday despite isolated rain activity elsewhere. The IMD has indicated that thunderstorm activity may continue over isolated pockets during the next few days while the temperature too will remain high.
