Maharashtra Braces for Cold Wave; IMD Issues Alert for Multiple Districts as Temperature Drops Sharply

Maharashtra Weather Update: Winter conditions are intensifying across Maharashtra as cold winds from North India push temperatures downward. With dense fog, falling temperatures and reduced visibility in several regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cautionary alert for residents, urging them to avoid stepping out without warm clothing like sweaters and woolen caps.

Cold Wave Grips Maharashtra

The drop in temperature seen across North India has now extended into Maharashtra, with a noticeable chill reported in Mumbai, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra. IMD has warned that the cold wave will be most pronounced in Marathwada and North Maharashtra, where minimum temperatures have fallen significantly.

• Nashik (Niphad): The mercury has dipped further, with temperatures falling every day.
• Akola: Experiencing severe cold for several days; minimum temperature has fallen by nearly 10°C within a week, now recorded at 12.5°C.
  Dense fog has covered the Murna River, giving the appearance of cold vapour rising from the water. Morning travel near river belts has become risky due to poor visibility.

Officials have advised residents in these regions to take necessary precautions and limit early morning travel.

Mumbai Feels the Chill Too

Mumbai, known for its moderate climate, is witnessing a rare cold spell:

• In the last 24 hours, cold winds swept across Mumbai city and suburbs.
• Post-midnight temperatures dropped close to 20°C, giving residents a clear feel of winter.
• Most parts of the state are currently experiencing cold mornings and nights, combined with bright daytime sunshine.

Western Disturbance to Influence Weather Soon

According to weather experts, the current cold wave is driven by:

• Low atmospheric moisture
• Cold winds flowing from the north

IMD predicts that this chilly phase will continue for the next two days. However, starting November 22, temperatures may show slight relief due to an incoming Western Disturbance.

Currently, early morning temperatures are 4–5°C below normal in districts such as:

• Nashik
• Nandurbar
• Malegaon
• Ahmednagar
• Pune
• Sangli
• Satara
• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
• Beed
• Nanded
• Parbhani

The cold wave is expected to persist till November 18.

Weather Impact from Mountains to Coast

• Northern states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are witnessing active snowfall, leading to a further drop in temperatures across plains.
• This northern cold wave is expected to intensify winter conditions in Maharashtra over the coming days.

Rain Forecast for Southern States

IMD has also issued a rain alert for parts of South India due to:

• A low-pressure area near the Sri Lanka coast in the Bay of Bengal
• Cyclonic circulation conditions over the Arabian Sea

These systems are likely to move west-northwest within 24 hours, increasing the chances of rainfall in several southern states.