In a dramatic turn, the bitter cold wave gripping Maharashtra has finally subsided, with northern winds slowing down and skies turning cloudy across the state. However, this brief respite has sparked fresh worries for the region’s mango and cashew growers. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), areas of Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra can expect light rain and lightning today, with the risk continuing into Monday. Dhule recently recorded a biting low of 8.5°C, but those bone-chilling temperatures are now rising, most notably in Sindhudurg and South Maharashtra. There, clouds gathered Saturday afternoon, raising alarms among farmers who had only just resumed their work after November’s long, wet monsoon ended. For mango and cashew trees, currently budding and flowering, the timing couldn’t be worse. Even a light spell of rain could trigger pest outbreaks and fungal diseases, potentially wiping out early blooms and jeopardizing next season’s harvest. “We’re watching the sky with worry,” one grower shared, echoing the anxious mood across the district. As paddy harvesting wraps up and orchards enter a critical phase, the fate of hundreds of livelihoods hangs in the balance. With the IMD maintaining its cautious outlook, Maharashtra’s orchardists can only hope that the forecasted rains remain mild and fleeting, ensuring their crops survive this latest weather reversal.