"The wrath of the Megharaja in Rajkot: Thunderstorms, lightning and wind caused stormy rain!"
The heavy rain and thunderstorm that hit Rajkot this evening brought both relief and misery to the city dwellers. Here is a summary of the main points:
Main events:
- Around 5 pm, dark clouds rolled in and heavy rain started with thunder.
- After a scorching heat of 40°C throughout the day, the rain brought a cool breeze, but traffic and life became unstable.
Impact on the city:
1. Traffic chaos:
- Major roads like Nirmala Road, Kalavad Road, 150 Feet Road, University Road were waterlogged, especially two-wheeler riders were in trouble.
- People who came out of schools and offices had to take shelter in shops or under overbridges.
2. Lightning:
- Children were scared by the repeated thunder and loud noise, but most people were happy to get relief from the heat.
3. Flood risk:
- Water rose in some areas due to the failure of the drainage system, with low-lying areas (like Mawadi, Parewadi Chowk) being more affected.
Positive results:
- Hope for farmers: Rains increased the chances of monsoon arrival, helped in preparation of fields.
- Temperature drop: There was a drop of about 4-5°C, providing relief from the humid heat.
Weather forecasts:
- The Meteorological Department has declared "pre-monsoon activity".
- There is a possibility of thundershowers again in Saurashtra during the next 24-48 hours.
Conclusion: The rains have reduced the heatwave, but have exposed issues with urban infrastructure (waterlogging, traffic management). Farmers and the general public are now waiting for more monsoon rains.
Article published | Sat | 14 Jun 2025 | 8:56 PM