Light to moderate rain is likely in Pune and parts of Maharashtra between September 12 and 15, as a possible low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal could influence weather during the Ganesh festival, according to weather experts cited by Loksatta.
The low-pressure system is expected to form around September 11 and move westwards, potentially bringing cloudy conditions, occasional showers, thunderstorms and lightning to parts of the state. The Indian Meteorological Department’s Pune observatory said the forecast would become clearer on September 10.
S. D. Sanap, a scientist at the IMD’s Pune observatory, said the system developing over the Bay of Bengal could affect rainfall in Maharashtra. He said Pune and other parts of the state could receive light to moderate rain from September 12 to 15 under its influence.
Senior meteorologist Anupam Kashyapi said the second half of the Ganesh festival could see more rainfall. Medium-range forecasts indicate the possibility of light rain in parts of Maharashtra between September 13 and 16. Konkan and Vidarbha could receive comparatively more widespread light to moderate rain, while rainfall across the state may increase for about a week after September 17, he said.
The forecast comes after Maharashtra recorded below-average rainfall in August, while the IMD had also projected below-normal rainfall for September in connection with the expected influence of El Niño. However, rainfall totals have varied significantly across the state.
Between June 1 and September 8, Maharashtra recorded 736.4 millimetres of rain, 16% below its normal rainfall of 872 millimetres for the period, according to IMD data cited in the report. Pune district, in contrast, recorded 1,014.6 millimetres, 26% above its normal 806 millimetres.
The IMD is expected to provide a clearer assessment of the system and its likely impact on festival dates on September 10.
