Rain likely to return to Maharashtra as IMD issues yellow alert for several districts

New Delhi: Residents across Maharashtra may soon get some respite from the blistering heat and oppressive humidity that have gripped the state in recent days. According to the latest forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), monsoon activity is showing signs of revival, with rainfall set to make a comeback across several regions.

A noticeable shift in atmospheric patterns is already underway, particularly over Konkan, Western Maharashtra, and pockets of Marathwada. The weather office has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds for these areas, offering much-needed cooling for citizens struggling with the sharp spike in daytime temperatures.

The department has sounded a yellow alert for Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg in the Konkan division, alongside Kolhapur, Satara, and Sangli in Western Maharashtra. Isolated thunderstorms and lightning are also likely in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In contrast, the remainder of the state is expected to experience generally overcast skies, with high temperatures and sultry conditions persisting through the day.

Showers forecast to expand by Wednesday

The spell of thundery activity is expected to hold through Wednesday across multiple regions. According to regional meteorological forecasts, light showers accompanied by lightning are likely across a broader belt including Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nashik, Jalgaon, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Meteorologists attribute this erratic weather pattern to an intensifying low-pressure system over the southwest Arabian Sea, which is likely to develop into a well-marked low-pressure area or depression. While the changing conditions bring intermittent cloud cover and brief showers, they have also prolonged a game of hide-and-seek between the sun and the clouds. With this season seeing erratic overall rainfall, farmers in several drought-prone belts continue to watch the skies anxiously, hoping for steady precipitation to support their crops.

Strong winds expected in South Konkan and Central Maharashtra

Parts of South Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra are likely to record wind gusts ranging between 30 to 50 km/h alongside lightning and light to moderate rainfall.

This unstable spell is slated to continue into Wednesday, keeping the regional forecast damp across North Maharashtra, the western plateau, and coastal belts, as localised convective activity brings quick bursts of evening rain before drier weather takes hold again.