When Climate Plays April Fools

 

First day of April, balmy weather, and a relaxing Saturday.... just too good to be true! Well yes, as the evening seemed straight out of apocalypse. Read on to know what happened...

This was our garden in the morning, full of spring blossoms and produce. As the son had finished his college exams, he headed out to the gym in the early evening. While the hubby and I went out to wrap up some chores and pick some stuff. Dark clouds were gathering so I hurriedly put in an umbrella in my bag before moving out.

In the next half hour, we got caught in a furious squall with gale-force winds and accompanying hail. The hailstorm lasted for about 15 minutes, with icy stones pelting our spring garden, destroying our lilies and many other plants, while the lawn looked like there had been snowfall.

Hubby and I waited it out at the local bus stop, thankfully protected from the battering by the human wall standing around (we were seated). We later walked home through a steady drizzle and inundated roads. Hubby used the umbrella while I covered my head and neck with a stole. Both of us had shoes soaking wet when we reached home. Son booked a ride home on a bike to avoid the swirling waters. Daughter, who was managing the home front alone, reported mild indoor flooding.

The episode was quite a lesson for all of us. Climate change is real, and here to stay. Such unpredictable weather is going to be the norm rather than the exception. And it can occur any time, anywhere. So mentally we must be prepared and thinking on our feet all the time. Tough times! And yes, April Fooled by the elements.