Hailstorm, rain lash several parts of Shivamogga district

Shivamogga: Several areas of Shivamogga district experienced a hailstorm and rain on Thursday evening. Rain lashed various villages of Thagarthi gram panchayat, with light showers in Gowthamapura gram panchayat.While Thursday's forecast indicated a maximum temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius for Shivamogga, the temperature decreased significantly as thunderstorms developed. Shortly afterwards, rainfall lashed several villages.Speaking to TOI, Nagappa, a farmer from Kudigere village in Sagar taluk, reported working in his areca farm during unfavourable weather. "Several workers were affected by the heat. The rainfall continued uninterrupted for over an hour after lunch," he added. After 4pm, some villages experienced light rainfall and cooler temperatures. In Sagar taluk, where ginger is a primary commercial crop, farmers have readied their fields. The extreme heat had raised concerns about cultivation. The unexpected rainfall in Thagarthi gram panchayat has raised optimism. The maize crop also requires adequate rainfall during this period.Shivamogga city and surrounding areas experienced a substantial temperature drop. According to experts, rainfall is anticipated across multiple areas within the next two days.