Patna, April 29 (IANS) The weather in Patna witnessed a dramatic shift on Wednesday evening, offering much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring intense heat and scorching sunshine since morning.

Strong winds accompanied by rain transformed the atmosphere into a cool and pleasant one.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), alerts have been issued for multiple districts across the state.

The department has forecast strong winds, rainfall and lightning strikes over the next few hours in parts of Arwal, Bhojpur, Buxar, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Rohtas, Saran, Siwan, Vaishali and West Champaran.

Wind speeds are expected to reach between 60 and 70 km/h.

A similar weather shift was reported in Saran district, where, by around 6 p.m., gusty winds and rainfall made the weather significantly more pleasant.

However, the sudden change also caused disruption.

For nearly 20 minutes, conditions resembled nighttime as dark clouds blanketed the sky. Major roads were deserted, and people rushed to nearby shops, homes and shelters to escape the storm.

Markets fell silent as strong winds swept through, blowing away small objects and creating a sense of panic among residents.

In Bhabhua, strong winds, rain and hailstorms brought relief from the heat but raised concerns over potential damage to crops, especially green vegetables.

Several incidents of uprooted trees were reported due to the intense weather conditions.

Fortunately, no casualties or major injuries have been reported.

Meanwhile, in Saran, the storm has significantly affected ongoing wedding celebrations.

With the wedding season in full swing, many ‘Tilak’ and ‘Baraat’ ceremonies were scheduled across the district.

However, heavy rain and strong winds forced several processions to halt midway, while participants at ceremonies faced major inconvenience.

There have also been reports of damage to pandals and decorative setups, casting a shadow over the festivities.

The sudden weather change has left residents concerned, even as it provided relief from the sweltering heat.

Authorities have urged people to remain cautious, avoid open areas during lightning activity, and take shelter in safe locations when strong winds occur.

–IANS

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