The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast hot and humid conditions in isolated parts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad, as several districts across Maharashtra continue to experience heat.
The weather department stated that thunderstorms and rain were also likely in parts of southern Maharashtra.
According to the weather bulletin, issued by the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, the coastal districts are expected to experience hot and humid conditions before the weather turns dry. Most other districts across Maharashtra are likely to remain dry, although parts of the Konkan region and western Maharashtra may receive rain and thundershowers.
Thunderstorms likely in Kolhapur, Satara
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places in Kolhapur district and the Ghats of Kolhapur on the first day of the forecast period.
Light to moderate rain is likely in these areas on the second day, followed by dry conditions from the third day onwards.
The Ghats of Satara may receive light rain or thundershowers on the first two days before conditions turn dry.
Rain likely in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are likely to experience hot and humid conditions, with light rain or thundershowers possible towards the afternoon and evening on the first day.
Sindhudurg may receive light to moderate rainfall during this period. Both districts are expected to see dry weather from the third day onwards.
Meanwhile, Palghar, Thane, Mumbai and Raigad are forecast to experience hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets during the initial days, followed by dry weather.
Most districts likely to remain dry
The IMD predicted dry weather in several districts, including Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara’s plains, Sangli and Solapur.
Dry conditions are also forecast for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, Latur and Dharashiv.
All districts in Vidarbha, including Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim and Yavatmal, are also expected to remain dry, with no active weather warnings indicated in the supplied bulletin.
IMD warns of possible cloud-to-ground lightning
The weather department has highlighted the possibility of cloud-to-ground lightning at isolated locations during thunderstorms.
Gusty winds could cause weak trees or poorly maintained structures to fall. Short-term, localised power disruptions are also possible.
Unseasonal rain and strong winds may damage crops, plantations and horticultural produce. Minor damage to kutcha houses, walls and huts is also possible.
Safety guidelines
The IMD has advised people to avoid working in open fields while thunderstorms are active and not to take shelter under tall trees or structures during lightning.
People should unplug electrical and electronic appliances, move out of water bodies and keep away from objects that conduct electricity.
