Rain and Strong Winds Affect Varanasi and Several Purvanchal Districts
Rain accompanied by b winds affected Varanasi and several districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh on Thursday morning, October 29. Weather conditions changed under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, with reports of paddy crops being flattened in fields and winter vegetable cultivation also being affected.
Clouds covered Varanasi on Thursday morning, with winds blowing from early hours and rainfall beginning in several areas as the day progressed. Some locations received substantial rain accompanied by b winds.
Apart from Varanasi, changing weather conditions and rainfall were reported in Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur and Bhadohi.
Cloud cover had persisted across Purvanchal over the preceding two days. Rainfall on Thursday increased moisture in the atmosphere, with the effects of the weather change particularly evident in agricultural fields.
Paddy crops across Purvanchal are currently approaching maturity, and many farmers are preparing for harvesting. Rainfall accompanied by b winds during this stage can increase the risk of crop damage.
During Thursday's rainfall, paddy plants were flattened in several fields, raising concerns among farmers. Harvesting crops that have fallen to the ground may become more difficult. Prolonged waterlogging in fields could also affect paddy quality.
Farmers whose crops are ready for harvesting may have to wait for weather conditions to improve. Further rainfall could increase the extent of crop damage.
Farmers growing winter vegetables are also facing difficulties. Vegetable cultivation has begun in several areas, where young plants are developing in fields.
Sudden heavy rainfall could damage these plants. The problem may become more severe in low-lying fields where rainwater accumulates.
Farmers are concerned about how quickly weather conditions will clear. If rainfall continues over the next few hours, its impact on crops could increase.
An official estimate of the total damage to affected crops has not yet been released.
Before the rainfall, daytime and nighttime temperatures in Varanasi were recorded above normal. According to weather data for the preceding 24 hours, the maximum temperature was 32.8 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 21.8 degrees Celsius, which was 4 degrees above normal.
During the same period, minimum relative humidity was recorded at 67 per cent and maximum relative humidity at 88 per cent. Persistent cloud cover and increasing moisture contributed to continued changes in weather conditions.
According to the weather department's forecast, changing weather conditions were expected across Purvanchal on Thursday. Cloud cover may continue to fluctuate over the following one to two days.
Farmers with paddy crops ready for harvesting will need to monitor weather conditions as rainfall and b winds could affect their fields. Vegetable growers will also need to pay attention to water accumulation and arrange drainage where necessary.
Residents of Varanasi and other parts of Purvanchal have been advised to avoid exposed areas during adverse weather and refrain from standing under trees during b winds.
