Drenched Diwali on the cards as IMD predicts thunderstorms in cities across India

Rains may put a spanner in Diwali preparations this year as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy showers in the next few days in different parts of the country, said media reports.

On Sunday, rains lashed different cities including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata, disrupting normal life. The Met department said the rain was caused due to retreating monsoon which is still in transition.

Monsoon withdrawal is generally complete by the first week of October, but this time it is delayed.

Because of the rain, people preferred to stay indoors and avoided visiting markets for buying Diwali articles.

Rainfall results into fewer footfall at markets in Mumbai 

The Times of India reported that due to heavy showers on the weekend, markets in Mumbai observed fewer footfall. Retailers who are hosting annual Diwali sales are anxious due to  thundershowers, added the report.

The report quoted Jaspal Singh, vice-president of the Lokhandwala Vyapari Mandal as saying that rains halt the tempo of shopping and that because of such weather, people do not browse items for shopping at leisure.

Heavy showers likely in Hyderabad

According to another  The Times of India report, cyclonic circulation observed over southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify during the next 48 hours, which may cause rains in Hyderabad and districts.

The report added that a depression over the Bay of Bengal would first reflect on the north Andhra Pradesh coastal districts and spread to other parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Weather forecasting agency Skymet said that Hyderabad would get relief from incessant rain only after Diwali.

Thunderstorms expected in Pune

According to IMD, heavy rainfall is expected in Pune in the next 48 hours with thunderstorms, said Hindustan Times report. Conditions are becoming favourable for further withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the remaining parts of northwest India, added the report.

Kolkata braces for wet Diwali

According to The Telegraph , rainfall could start on Tuesday in the city and gradually increase, covering more areas the next day. Rain had dampened the Durga Puja festivities too in the city.

With inputs from PTI