UNSEASONAL RAINS Water-logging, power outages disrupt normal life
| Date :03-Apr-2026 |
Lightning in city on the night of Wednesday. (Pic by Anil Futane)
Staff Reporter :
A sudden spell of unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning lashed the city on Wednesday night, causing widespread disruption across the city. The pre-monsoon activity, characterised by gusty winds and heavy showers, led to incidents of tree falls, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and prolonged power outages.
The high-velocity winds proved devastating for the city’s green cover. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire Department remained on
high alert throughout the night as distress calls poured in
from various localities. A significant incident was reported near Janta School, Pawanbhumi, Somalwada, where a tree was uprooted.
Power crisis
The most visible impact of the storm was on the city’s electrical grid. Residents in several neighborhoods reported a night of darkness as Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) struggled to maintain a steady supply. In many areas, the electricity supply was not just interrupted, but fluctuated wildly. Citizens of Friends Colony reported witnessing power outages between 10 to 15 times throughout the day and night, with the electricity ‘coming and going’ incessantly. These frequent trips were often caused by branches falling on overhead lines or technical faults triggered by the intense lightning.
Rainwater enters homes in
low-lying areas
Several homes and small eateries in Ujjwal Nagar and Somalwada faced water ingress following recent rain, as properties situated below the level of newly-constructed cement roads were flooded. Rainwater accumulated on the roads flowed into houses, creating puddles and causing inconvenience to residents.
Locals reported that inadequate drainage and elevated road levels worsened the situation. In addition, strong winds during spell led to minor damage to trees in the area, with a few branches felling.
Residents have urged authorities to address the drainage issue and ensure proper water outflow to prevent further incidents during monsoon.
Unseasonal rains damage crops; 61 farmers affected
in Nagpur district
Unseasonal rains that lashed parts of Nagpur district on Wednesday have caused
significant damage to crops, affecting 61 farmers across 14 villages. According to preliminary reports, total of 41 hectares of agricultural land has been impacted, with key crops such as wheat, oranges and mosambi suffering losses. Saoner taluka recorded damage to 21 farmers in seven villages, while Ramtek reported 11 affected farmers across three villages. In Umred taluka, 29 farmers from four villages have been hit. Local authorities have begun initial assessments, and detailed panchnamas are expected to follow. Farmers have expressed concern over crop losses at a crucial stage, urging swift compensation and support from the administration.
IMD analysis
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Nagpur, the city was under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over central India, leading to this sudden wet spell.
For past 24 hours, while localised showers were heavy, the city recorded the rainfall of 0.20 mm and a drop in temperatures to 30.27 degree Celsius at night. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 10-15 kmph were recorded during the peak of the thunderstorm.
Relative Humidity (RH) remained high, recorded at 52 per cent in the morning and dropped to 43 per cent till night.
The IMD had earlier issued a yellow alert for Nagpur, warning of isolated thunderstorm activity and lightning, which manifested in the frequent power trips reported by residents.
The administration has urged citizens to remain cautious as the IMD has predicted the possibility of intermittent showers upto 0.79 mm and gusty winds to continue over the next 24 to 48 hours.