After weeks of intense summer heat, widespread rain brought relief to residents across Erode district for the third consecutive day on Friday (May 8), even as strong winds damaged crops, including over 1,000 red banana plantations near Gobichettipalayam.

The district had been experiencing severe heat conditions since March, with temperatures ranging between 37.7° Celsius and 40° Celsius. Residents struggled with hot weather and sultry nights. Concerns over rising temperatures intensified following the onset of the Agni Natchathiram period on May 4.

Over the past few days, dark clouds gathered in the evenings and several parts of the district received rain during the night. Heavy rain continued across the district on Thursday night. In Siruvalur panchayat near Gobichettipalayam, strong winds damaged over 1,000 red banana plantations cultivated by farmer Palanisamy. The crop was reportedly ready for harvest, and the farmer suffered losses running into several lakhs of rupees.

In Erode city, rain lashed several areas for nearly two hours after midnight and continued on Friday afternoon. The district recorded a total rainfall of 302 mm. According to rainfall data released by the district administration, Erode recorded 66 mm rainfall, followed by Kavundapadi (46.20 mm), Perundurai (40 mm) and Kodiveri (39 mm).