Maharashtra Monsoon Slows Down: Light Rains Ahead, Kharif Preparations Delayed

Heavy rains ease across Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra; farmers advised to plan sowing based on local forecasts.

After a week of intense rainfall, the weather in Maharashtra has taken a dry turn. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a significant decline in rain intensity across the state, with light rainfall expected in most regions over the coming days. This shift is likely to delay Kharif season preparations, especially in areas where pre-monsoon rains had flooded fields.

Last week’s heavy rainfall in Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra was triggered by a low-pressure system, which has now weakened. As per IMD, from June 6 to 10, rainfall will be normal, but for the next 10–15 days, most of the state is expected to remain largely dry. Wind speeds have also dropped, further reducing the likelihood of substantial rains in the near term.

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Impact on Farmers and Fields

Due to excessive rainfall in May—nearly ten times the monthly average, many fields are waterlogged and muddy. This has disrupted pre-Kharif activities. Farmers are now waiting for ‘vafsa’—the right soil moisture needed for sowing, which typically takes 10–15 days to set in black, deep soils. If unexpected rains return during this drying period, sowing could be further delayed.

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The Meteorological Department has urged farmers to stay alert and base their agricultural planning on hyper-local forecasts.

Konkan Rains Also Subside

In Konkan, where the monsoon had advanced rapidly, rain activity has dropped sharply. The low-pressure influence along the coast has faded, and scattered rains are expected for the next three days. However, heatwave conditions will continue, and rainfall has nearly stopped in the region for the past two days.

District-Wise Weather Forecast

• Pune: Light to moderate rain from June 1 to 3.
• Nashik:
  • June 1–2: Light to moderate rain/thundershowers
  • June 3: Light rain in isolated areas
• Kolhapur:
  • May 31 – June 3: Light to moderate rain expected daily
• Satara:
  • June 1: Light rain in isolated areas
  • June 2: Light to moderate rain
  • June 3: Light rain in isolated areas
• Sangli:
  • June 1–2: Light to moderate rain
  • June 3: Light rain in isolated area
• Ahmednagar:
  • June 1: Light rain/thundershowers
  • June 2–3: Light rain in isolated areas

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