Maharashtra rain alert conditions have returned, with the weather department forecasting thunderstorms and rain across more than half the state, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and several districts in Vidarbha. Some areas have been placed under an orange alert for heavy rain, while most other parts have received a yellow alert for thunderstorms.
The change follows a brief pause in rainfall over the past few days, during which several parts of Maharashtra continued to record a significant rainfall deficit. The monsoon became active again from Saturday, bringing the possibility of light, moderate and heavy rain across different parts of the state.
The weather department has warned of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds in many areas. The alert covers northern Maharashtra, parts of western Maharashtra and a large section of Vidarbha. Mumbai is among the locations identified in the forecast, along with Pune and Nashik.
The renewed activity is linked to a low-pressure belt that developed over the Bay of Bengal and is moving rapidly towards Gujarat. According to the report, the system is having its strongest influence over northern Maharashtra, where moderate to heavy rain has been recorded. Its effects are also being felt in other parts of the state.
Rainfall was reported in parts of Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Buldhana, Amravati, Yavatmal, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara and Gondia between 8.30 am on Friday and 8.30 am on Saturday. These districts include both northern Maharashtra and eastern Vidarbha, indicating that the weather system is affecting a broad geographical area rather than a single urban centre.
The forecast comes after the entire month of August remained largely dry in the state, according to the report. Attention had turned to September rainfall after weather observers indicated that low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal could strengthen rain over parts of Maharashtra during the month.
For cities, the forecast places renewed focus on the functioning of roads, drainage systems and public transport during periods of intense rain and strong winds. The report, however, does not provide district-wise rainfall totals, specific timings for Mumbai or details of any transport disruption.
The weather department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across most parts of Maharashtra on Sunday, with the intensity expected to range from light to heavy depending on the location. Areas under the orange and yellow alerts are expected to follow local authorities’ advisories as the weather system moves across the state.
