First Showers of May bring Relief to Scorching Weather
Mangaluru: The proverb “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers”, or the shorter, trochaic version “April showers bring May flowers” are common expressions in English speaking countries. Whatever the versions are, it never came true, since monsoon came little late this year, because usually Mangaluru gets a little rain during the month of April. Although it didn’t pour down heavily this evening, but the rain was quite enough to panic a few citizens who were not ready for it. Seems like the “Rain God” heard the various prayers offered at Churches, Temples and Mosques by religious leaders and politicians, since the city has been suffering from a shortage of water. Although it rained heavy at most parts of the City while at some places it only drizzled – but this rain was enough to cool down the temperatures a bit and also residents were able to collect a few buckets of rain water.
There were some signs of cool breeze that spread a blanket of pleasant weather around 6 pm this evening and very soon it started to rain bringing down the summer heat considerably. The breeze was accompanied by steady drizzle, and slight thunders continued for a short time. The drizzle gave some respite from the dryness the city had endured for over last few months. Today’s rain was more than enough for the citizens to run for cover under a shelter. Street vendors who never expected the rain all of a sudden had to act quickly to cover their items from being get drenched in water. Although it didn’t rain heavily, but it was enough to wet some of the items which some of the street vendors were selling around the Market Road area. Some commuters who have the habit of carrying umbrellas to protect themselves from blazing hot sun had to now make use of them to protect them from getting wet from the unexpected drizzle. Vendors who were selling clothes were the ones who got affected the most.
Maximum temperatures has changed little over the State. They were appreciably above normal at most places over North Interior Karnataka; above normal at most places over Coastal Karnataka and at a few places over South Interior Karnataka. While Bengaluru, Madikeri and other places in Karnataka saw rains during the last few days, there were so signs of rain in Mangaluru. This evening’s rain lasted only for about 15 minutes or so, but the skies are still cloudy and chances are there could be more rain tonight.The forecast for the next 48 hours says rain/thundershowers would occur at most places over Coastal Karnataka and at many places over interior Karnataka. It’s time to take out the raincoats and other monsoon clothing because the monsoon is on its way. But you can’t always rely on the weatherman -it could rain or it could be sunny. Until then let’s keep our fingers crossed.