Showers, Snow & Sigh of Relief: Before Diwali, Weather's Festive Gift to Many Cities | In Visuals

Many cities across India witnessed overnight rainfall, bringing much-needed relief in some areas that were choking in air pollution. Both Delhi, Mumbai and the neighbouring regions witnessed unseasonal rain and thunder. This comes at a time when many south Indian cities, especially Kerala and Tamil, have been struggling due to the intense showers, landslides and shutting of schools.

In Delhi and its suburbs, the overnight rain brought some relief. It came at a time when the authorities in the capital were mulling seeding clouds to improve the toxic air gripping the city.

The weather department has forecast intermittent rain over the city and adjoining areas till early noon on Friday. Light showers are also expected in neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Mumbai Rain

Some suburbs of Mumbai and its neighbouring areas, including Thane, experienced unseasonal rains accompanied by thunder on Thursday night. According to residents, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, Mulund, Powai, Aarey and some other areas of Mumbai, besides parts of extended suburbs like Dombivli, Kalyan, Ulhasnagar and Badlapur were lashed by showers with thunder at around 9 pm.

Thane city recorded 5.84 mm rainfall between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm, said the local civic body in a release. The unexpected showers came at a time when local markets were teeming with Diwali shoppers.

In Thane city, vendors selling decorative items, including ‘kandeels’ (lanterns) and lamps, out in the open were forced to wind up their business due to rains which lasted for about an hour, while some of them hurriedly covered their products with plastic sheets. The financial capital and some of its neighbouring areas, including Panvel and Navi Mumbai, had received untimely showers on Wednesday also.

Jammu and Kashmir Rain

Srinagar residents also got relief from the dry weather as rain lashed several parts of the city. According to a report in Greater Kashmir, the meteorological department had predicted rains in plains and snow over the higher reaches in Jammu and Kashmir from Thursday evening.

The MeT officials Srinagar said that an active Western Disturbance is anticipated to bring rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir from Thursday to Friday.

The weather agency had urged the farmers to suspend farm operations for three days, and particularly on November 9.

Himachal Pradesh Snow

Koksar area of Lahaul and Spiti received fresh snowfall on Friday. According to local reports, snowfall has led to severe cold in the valley. Light snowfall is reportedly still continuing in Tinan Valley of Lahaul.

Snow was also witnessed on Manali-Leh road. Reports stated that if it gets intense, vehicular movement may be stopped.

Tamil Nadu Rain

Tamil Nadu received widespread rains across the state, with the southern districts recording heavy showers on Thursday, as the North East Monsoon intensified.

Following the heavy downpour and inundation, the administration in several districts, including four taluks in the Nilgiris district, besides Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore districts, declared a holiday for schools.

Owing to continuous rains, landslides were reported at about five places on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway line, leading to the cancellation of the mountain train service. A landslide occurred at Kotagiri too, affecting the road traffic and, as a result, traffic was diverted via Coonoor to Mettupalayam.