Weather Alert: Heavy Rains in Maharashtra Expected to Continue Until Saturday

Pune, 25th September 2024: A low-pressure area has formed from North Konkan to South Bangladesh, leading to cyclonic conditions over Chhattisgarh. As a result, the Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in North Central Maharashtra and along the North Coast, particularly in Palghar and Nashik, over the next two days.

According to the Meteorological Department, the low-pressure area that developed off the coast of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday (September 25) has weakened, giving rise to cyclonic conditions in the upper atmosphere over Chhattisgarh. This change in weather patterns has prompted forecasts of heavy rain accompanied by gale-force winds and thundershowers in North Maharashtra, North Konkan, and North Central Maharashtra.

The monsoon’s return journey, which initially started from Rajasthan and Kutch (Gujarat), has halted as of Wednesday. The ongoing rainfall across the state is not a part of the retreating monsoon but rather attributed to the low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. Meteorologist Dr. S.K. Sanap noted that the current rains are expected to continue for a while, with heavy rainfall forecasted for the next two days. After Saturday, September 28, a decrease in rainfall intensity is anticipated.

The weather alerts for Thursday include a red alert for Palghar and Nashik, yellow alert for Pune, Raigad, Mumbai, Thane, Dhule, and Nandurbar, and a yellow alert for the rest of the state.

Retired meteorologist Manikrao Khule indicated that while heavy rain will persist for two more days, the intensity is likely to diminish in ten districts, including Nashik, Nagar, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur, starting Saturday.

Dr. S.K. Sanap clarified that the rainfall currently being experienced across the state should not be classified as return rains. Return rains occur when the monsoon winds are retreating from the state or when they begin their return journey. The current rainfall is due to the prevailing low-pressure area and not linked to the monsoon’s withdrawal.

Residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for heavy rains and potential disruptions in the coming days.