Hailstorm, rain destroy crops; storm hits normal life in Bhopal
| Date :28-Feb-2024 |
Staff Reporter
The unseasonal rainfall, hailstorm in various parts of Madhya Pradesh destroyed standing crop. State capital Bhopal also recorded strong wind and heavy rainfall on Tuesday evening. Rains, accompanied by hailstorm and high velocity winds, damaged the crops in fields spread across several acres. Especially wheat, gram and mustard crops were in ready condition but after the rainfall and hailstorm, crops were damaged. While Narmadapuram, Khandwa, Chhindwara, Tikamgarh, Betul, Chhatarpur and Niwari districts recorded hailstorm, Bhopal and a few other cities saw heavy rainfall along with strong wind. In a few districts crops were already harvested in the field but farmers could not collect the same. The rainfall and hail made the crops black in colour. Chhindwara recorded 1.5 inches of rainfall on Monday-Tuesday night. Pachmarhi, Shivpuri have also received rainfall. Khajuraho recorded hailstorm and district administration has started surveying the crops in Betul.
Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) said that weather is expected to remain the same till February 29. Weather scientists have forecast hailstorm and heavy rainfall in 34 districts till February 28. Scientists said that moisturised air and western disturbance have changed the weather all of sudden. Big sized hails were recorded in Itarsi, Dolaria, Patalai of Narmadapuram and Seoni and Malwa region. Fields in Itarsi have recorded hails 50 grams each in weight.
Bhopal saw complete ‘U’ turn of weather in afternoon when strong wind and cloud brought heavy rainfall. In Lalghati, Kolar area, small sized hails were recorded. As the wind was strong and rain was heavy, power cut followed in most of the areas. Trees were uprooted, tin sheds were broken, banner on road side were flown away with the wind and heavy traffic jam was seen on city roads. Weather scientists said that cyclonic line is bringing moisture in State. A turf line is passing from Bihar and Chhattisgarh to Telangana. Scientists said that wind is blowing in border area of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha due to which south-east part of Madhya Pradesh is receiving moisture.
Till February 28, hailstorm, speedy wind, rainfall will be recording in state. For February 28, system would be weakened and light rainfall is expected to receive in Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Jabalpur, Mandla and Dindori along with thunder and lightning. Weather scientists said that current system would not be affecting Ujjain, Gwalior and Chambal division. Only southern part of Indore will be receiving rainfall, hail storm and wind. Maximum temperature in Bhopal was recorded as 25.8 degrees Celsius and minimum 16.8 degrees Celsius. Gwalior recorded maximum temperature as 24.9 degrees Celsius and minimum 12.7 degrees Celsius. Indore recorded maximum temperature 28.4 degrees Celsius and minimum 18.8 degrees Celsius. Ujjain recorded maximum temperature 28.0 degrees Celsius and minimum 16.4 degrees Celsius. Jabalpur recorded maximum temperature 27.8 degrees Celsius and minimum 15.6 degrees Celsius.