Showers bring respite from heat, worries for mango farmers

Surat: Mild showers accompanied by gusty winds swept through parts of Dang, Kaprada and Tapi districts on Thursday, bringing brief relief from the scorching summer heat across South Gujarat. Though the rainfall remained scattered and limited in intensity, cloudy skies covered much of the region throughout the day, indicating a temporary change in weather conditions.Residents experienced a noticeable dip in discomfort as cooler winds followed the sudden shift in the atmosphere. However, despite the pleasant conditions, weather officials said the region's maximum temperature actually rose by around 3 degrees Celsius — from 36°C on Wednesday to 39°C on Thursday. Forecasts suggest temperatures are likely to climb further over the coming days, even if intermittent cloud cover persists.The unseasonal weather has raised concerns among farmers and traders associated with mango cultivation, as South Gujarat enters a crucial harvesting phase. Districts such as Valsad, Navsari and Surat are among Gujarat's key mango-producing regions, and untimely rain coupled with strong winds can adversely affect orchards during this period."Rain accompanied by strong winds can pose a threat to the mango whose harvesting continues till the end of May. However, so far, we have not received reports of any major damage to mango farms," a horticulture department official said.Farmers remain on alert, fearing that continued showers or windy conditions could lead to fruit drop, spoilage and deterioration in the quality of the produce. Agricultural experts also cautioned that prolonged moisture during the harvesting season may create difficulties in transportation and storage, increasing the risk of damage during handling and transit.Across South Gujarat, the overcast skies and cool breeze offered a welcome respite after days of intense heat, even as officials warned that the broader trend of rising temperatures is expected to continue...ends
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