The India Meteorological Department has issued its first heatwave warning for Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra after the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, with isolated pockets of Mumbai and Raigad expected to experience heatwave conditions on Friday, October 9.
The warning was included in a weather bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre on October 8. The IMD said temperatures are expected to rise in several areas over the next few days, while hot and humid conditions are likely to continue across parts of coastal Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Thane and Raigad experienced hot and humid weather on Thursday. Isolated pockets of Mumbai and Raigad are expected to face heatwave conditions on Friday, while Thane is likely to remain hot and humid before dry weather returns over the weekend.
The warning also covers other parts of the Konkan region. Ratnagiri is expected to experience heatwave conditions in isolated pockets on Thursday and Friday, followed by hot and humid conditions on Saturday. The district could receive light to moderate thundershowers during the afternoon or evening.
In Sindhudurg, light rain or thundershowers are expected towards the afternoon or evening on Friday and Saturday after hot and humid conditions. The changeable weather reflects the contrast expected across Maharashtra after the southwest monsoon’s withdrawal, with heat affecting parts of the coast while rain remains possible in other districts.
The IMD has forecast isolated rain and thundershowers over parts of southern Maharashtra on Friday and Saturday. Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur may receive light rain or thundershowers, while the Ghats of Kolhapur and Satara could receive isolated spells during the period. Northern Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada are expected to remain largely dry.
Dry weather is expected to return across the state from Sunday, October 11, through Monday, October 12, according to the bulletin.
The IMD has advised residents to remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours. People have also been advised not to take shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms and to unplug electrical equipment during thundershowers.
The weather department issued a separate agrometeorological advisory for farmers in areas that could experience gusty winds and unseasonal rain. Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops at the earliest and move harvested produce to covered, dry storage. The advisory also asks them to avoid chemical spraying and irrigation during adverse weather, provide physical support to young crops and keep livestock safely sheltered indoors.
The next significant weather change identified in the bulletin is the possibility of light rain and thundershowers in parts of southern Maharashtra and the Konkan region through Saturday, followed by a return to dry weather across the state from Sunday.
