Maharashtra Weather Alert: Storms Likely in 13 Districts
The weather department has forecast thunderstorms and rain in 13 districts of Maharashtra on Wednesday, September 2, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal continues to influence weather conditions across central India. The warning covers parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, while light to moderate showers are expected in several other parts of the state.
According to the forecast reported by Loksatta, the districts facing the possibility of thunderstorms are Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, Yavatmal, Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. The weather department has indicated that the influence of the system is expected to intensify over parts of Maharashtra on Thursday.
The low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal and is moving gradually across the region. Its influence is being felt in several states, including Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, as well as adjoining areas. Parts of Maharashtra have recorded rain since Sunday, with the system producing storm activity in areas closest to its path.
The forecast indicates that rainfall in Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada could increase over the next two days compared with conditions during August. Parts of Madhya Maharashtra and the Konkan region may also receive light to moderate rain. The impact of thunderstorms is expected to continue until Friday, according to the forecast cited in the report.
The weather department has also indicated that if the weather system remains active, rain could continue in several parts of the state until September 10. The forecast comes after a weak August, when the state experienced a lack of the weather systems normally associated with widespread heavy rainfall.
Rainfall remains uneven across the country and Maharashtra. The report said cumulative rainfall across India during the monsoon season has been 14 per cent below average, while Maharashtra has recorded a 12 per cent deficit. In many districts of the state, the rainfall shortfall in August was reported to be more than 60 per cent.
The department has separately warned that rainfall may remain lower during the latter part of the monsoon season. It has also indicated the possibility of strengthening El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. However, rainfall during the remaining period of the season could reduce the current deficit to some extent.
The immediate forecast places the greatest likelihood of storm activity in eastern Maharashtra and parts of Marathwada on Wednesday, while other regions are expected to receive lighter showers. The next significant update will depend on the movement and continued activity of the Bay of Bengal low-pressure area through Friday and, potentially, September 10.
