IMD Predicts Dry Spell for Maharashtra as Monsoon Season Ends with Uneven Rainfall
IMD Predicts Dry Spell for Maharashtra as Monsoon Season Ends with Uneven Rainfall
Rainfall decreases significantly in Pune and surrounding regions, while isolated showers persist in parts of Maharashtra.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a notable decline in rainfall across Maharashtra, including Pune, due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions. The region is expected to remain mostly dry until October 5, with only sporadic instances of light rain. A cyclonic wind pattern over Gujarat and West Madhya Pradesh has brought scattered showers to areas like North Konkan, Thane, Palghar and parts of the Pune district. However, no heavy rainfall is forecast for the coming days.
The weakened winds from the Arabian Sea and the absence of active weather systems in the Bay of Bengal are preventing moisture-laden winds from reaching the state, contributing to the prolonged dry spell in Pune. Daytime temperatures in the city are expected to range between 28-32°C, while nighttime temperatures will hover between 18-22°C.
Retired meteorologists have observed a delay in the return of seasonal winds in recent years, a trend that may affect Pune’s future weather patterns. Despite this, the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in some parts of Maharashtra today, specifically in districts like Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur and Satara. Isolated showers are also expected in Pune, Nagar, Dhule, Dharashiv and Latur.
Meanwhile, the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are under warnings for heavy rain, lightning and thunder.
Looking ahead, the IMD has released its October to December forecasts, indicating that South India is expected to receive maximum rainfall during the northeast monsoon. More than 112% of the average rainfall is predicted for this region during this post-monsoon period and Maharashtra is also likely to receive above-average rainfall.
At the end of September, India recorded 934.8 mm of rain, with the monsoon entering Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 12, followed by Kerala on May 30. The monsoon reached Maharashtra by June 6 and covered the entire country by July 2. While heavy rainfall occurred in September, July saw a lull, leading to an uneven distribution of rainfall throughout the season. Maharashtra received 1252.1 mm of rainfall this season—26% more than the average, significantly higher than the 965.7 mm recorded last year.
This year’s monsoon was influenced by the weakening of El Niño conditions in the Pacific, with the possibility of La Niña developing later in the season. Despite these fluctuations, the state witnessed an overall increase in rainfall, bringing relief compared to the previous year’s deficit.
