Lucknow: Rain and thundershowers that lashed many parts of Uttar Pradesh for the second consecutive day on Friday have brought cheer to the farmers as this will be a big boost for the winter crops.

The rains were much needed for the crops of wheat, barley, mustard, sesame, peas and sugarcane that were sown in December. “Drizzle in this season helps soil retain water which is essential for the crops,” said Sudhir Kumar, president Kisan Jagriti Manch.

The state met department has predicted rainfall for the next two days followed by a chilly and foggy spell.

The met department said that a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal has brought the change in the weather conditions. Rail, road and air traffic was badly hit by cloudy and foggy weather.