The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for several districts in Maharashtra for Thursday, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rainfall in isolated areas.
In Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, residents can expect thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rain, and gusty winds with speeds reaching 30–40 km/h. These conditions very likely, as per the IMD.
Meanwhile, Mumbai, Palghar, and Sindhudurg are likely to experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers. Though less intense than in neighbouring districts, brief disruptions due to localised showers cannot be ruled out.
A yellow alert has also been issued for several interior and ghat regions, including Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ghats of Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Ghats of Pune, Satara, Ghats of Satara, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Beed. These regions are likely to see thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds of around 30–40 km/h at isolated spots.
The IMD has advised residents in all affected areas to stay updated through official weather bulletins and to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms.
Mumbai weather update: No heatwave, but city to remain warm until October 31, says IMD
With Mumbai currently reeling under hot weather conditions and the October heat affecting citizens, experts have advised Mumbaikars about staying safe from developing health issues during the rising temperatures and hot and humid weather.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime temperatures are expected to stay between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius throughout the month, while morning temperatures will range from 22 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius.
Senior IMD official Shubhangi Bhute told mid-day, “This heat is seasonal and not extreme, and there are no signs of a heatwave as of now. She advised people to avoid going outdoors between 12 pm and 4 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. A slight drop in temperature is expected between 31 October and 6 November, which could bring some relief.”
Compared to October 2024, this year’s October will be relatively normal and not excessively hot, although it will be a dry month, Bhute said. Meanwhile, as the monsoon withdraws, air pollution levels are on the rise.
IMD experts say air quality in October is usually worse compared to other months because of dry weather, low wind speeds, and poor dispersion of pollutants. It leads to a hazy atmosphere, especially in the mornings and evenings. The main pollutants include PM2.5 and PM10, which can affect breathing and health, especially in sensitive groups like children and the elderly.
