Vadodara/ Rajkot: After a long dry spell and sweltering heat, heavy rain accompanied by gusting winds lashed Dahod and Rajkot on Saturday even as weather department stated that conditions were favourable for advancement of the southwest monsoon in the state by Monday.While the wet spell brought down temperatures, lightning strikes killed four people - three in Dahod and one Rajkot cityThe extreme weather disrupted normal life across Dahod, with heavy waterlogging reported in the town and surrounding areas. Uprooted trees, poor visibility, damaged tin roofs, and flying debris were seen in multiple places as strong winds swept through. Among the deceased were a father-son duo — Sanjay Madodiya (30) and his five-year-old son Ayush — who were struck by lightning in Muvalia village, near Dahod.

In a separate incident, Dinesh Hathila (30), a resident of Mandor village in Dhanpur taluka, died after lightning struck his home.Two others sustained injuries in similar lightning-related incidents and were admitted to nearby healthcare facilities. Additionally, three cattle perished due to lightning strikes in different parts of the district.After days of sultry weather, Rajkot city too welcomed sudden downpours on Saturday evening.

The city recorded nearly three inches of rainfall between 6pm and 7:30pm. The worst-hit area was Raiya, where knee-deep waterlogging led to at least three four-wheelers getting submerged.In Rajkot, a 43-year-old man identified as Dalu Baraiya died after being struck by lightning in Mafatiyapara area in the evening. Severe waterlogging was witnessed on Sadhu Vasvani Road, Nana Mava Road, and the 150 Feet Ring Road Two-wheelers were seen being swept away by the force of flowing water, especially along low-lying stretches like Nana Mava Road.Due to the intensity of the rainfall, several citizens struggled to return home from their workplaces and shops. Strong winds uprooted six trees but there were no casualties.According to official data, 26 talukas received at least one inch rainfall.