Thunderstorms and rain are expected to intensify across parts of Maharashtra from Friday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for several districts. The impact is forecast to increase on Saturday, particularly in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, according to a report published by Loksatta on Wednesday.
The forecast comes after several days of relatively weak rainfall across the state. The recent break has increased Maharashtra’s overall rainfall deficit, while the monsoon season has entered its final phase. The weather department expects rainfall activity to strengthen over the next two to three days as weather systems become more active.
The yellow alert covers several districts, although the report does not provide a complete district-wise list. The forecast indicates that thunderstorms and rain will affect a substantial part of the state, with rainfall intensity expected to rise compared with the preceding days. The weather department has specifically pointed to a possibility of stormy rain in some areas from Friday and a wider or stronger effect on Saturday.
Vidarbha and Marathwada are among the regions identified as likely to see stormy rainfall. Both regions have continued to face rainfall shortages in parts of the current season, according to the report. The expected spell could provide limited relief to areas where the deficit has raised concerns about drought conditions and agricultural stress. The report also notes that farmers remain under pressure because of the uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall.
Maharashtra recorded widespread rainfall in July after weather systems formed over the Bay of Bengal became active. That rainfall helped reduce the deficit recorded in June. However, rainfall weakened again in August, leaving a substantial shortfall across much of the state. The latest forecast is therefore being watched against the broader pattern of an uneven monsoon rather than as an indication of a uniform recovery across Maharashtra.
The weather department has linked this year’s irregular rainfall pattern to the influence of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. According to the report, the El Niño phase is expected to intensify over the coming months and may continue to influence weather conditions until the beginning of next year. The department has also said that the monsoon’s effects have been uneven this year.
For cities and towns, the forecast means local authorities and residents will need to monitor short-duration storm activity, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging, disrupted travel or drainage pressure. The report, however, does not provide specific warnings on urban flooding, transport closures or municipal emergency measures. The immediate official forecast remains focused on the expected increase in rain and thunderstorms from Friday, with the strongest impact currently anticipated on Saturday.
