Even as weathermen informed the state that the monsoon is right on track, having hit India's south-west coast in Kerala, and is set to arrive in AP on 5 June; Hyderabad was in for a pleasant surprise on Tuesday afternoon. The city witnessed moderate-to-heavy rain at around 3:30pm.
The pre-monsoon showers came as a relief to citizens who were growing increasingly exasperated with the soaring heat this summer. The Laila effect had cooled down temperatures somewhat, but the respite lasted only for a few days, as the weather went back to normal
as soon as Laila turned its back to this part of the state.
The south-west monsoon is a big deal for AP, as it comprises 70% of the state's annual rainfall. Last year, parts of the state witnessed a drought in the June-October period thanks to scanty rainfall.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Hyderabad's infrastructure - the roads and electricity - is rain-ready.