IMD Forecasts Increase in Night Temperatures Due to Western Disturbance

Pune: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an extended range forecast indicating a rise in minimum temperatures across Maharashtra for the next two weeks, until approximately May 16. This projection is attributed to an approaching western disturbance that is expected to influence parts of north India in the coming days, potentially causing clouding over central India, including certain areas of Maharashtra and the northeast Indian region.

The IMD officials explained that the impending western disturbance is likely to lead to cloud cover during the night, which could impede radiative cooling, consequently keeping minimum temperatures elevated compared to normal levels.

While maximum temperatures are anticipated to remain slightly below average during the first week of the extended range period (May 3-9), daytime highs may still surpass the 40°C-mark intermittently. However, on average, temperatures are expected to stay marginally below normal due to increased cloud cover.

The combination of hot days and warmer nights may result in uncomfortable conditions for residents, particularly as humidity levels are projected to rise during this period.

Furthermore, IMD forecasts indicate a probable increase in maximum temperatures by 4-6°C over many parts of northwest India in the next five days, with a rise of 2-3°C expected in Maharashtra. Certain pockets of Maharashtra, particularly in Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada regions, could experience heatwave conditions on May 4-5, as per the IMD’s forecast issued on Friday.

Additionally, the extended range forecast suggests that hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over isolated pockets of Maharashtra, Karnataka coast, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu during certain days of the May 9-15 week.