Maharashtra Weather Alert: Orange Warning Issued for 4 Districts as Storms, Hailstorms Likely
Maharashtra Weather Alert: Orange Warning Issued for 4 Districts as Storms, Hailstorms Likely
Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and Gusty Winds Forecast; IMD Issues Alerts Across 33 Districts Amid Early Monsoon Onset
Maharashtra is bracing for an intense spell of pre-monsoon weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues an Orange Alert for four districts—Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Solapur—due to the likelihood of heavy rain, thunderstorms, stormy winds, and potential hailstorms over the next 4–5 days.
Cyclonic Activity Triggers Weather Shift
A cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea near Gujarat and the North Konkan coast has intensified rainfall across the state. According to meteorological experts, the formation of an atmospheric trough is contributing to unseasonal rainfall, not only in Maharashtra but across several Indian states. The IMD has also hinted at a possible early arrival of the southwest monsoon in the region.
Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Gusty Winds Forecast
The IMD has predicted widespread thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 50–60 km/h across regions such as Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, Central Maharashtra, and Konkan. Thunderstorm warnings have been specifically issued for Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and Ahilyanagar, while Vidarbha and Marathwada will likely witness sustained lightning and rainfall for the next five days.
Alert Status Across Maharashtra
- Orange Alert: Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur (Severe Thunderstorm and Hail Warning)
- Yellow Alert: 29 districts including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Nashik, Kolhapur, Nagpur, and Chandrapur (Moderate Weather Risks)
Mumbai and surrounding regions have been placed under special watch, with the possibility of intermittent rain and thunder in the coming 48 hours due to unstable atmospheric conditions.
Pre-Monsoon Rains Cause Widespread Impact
On Saturday, rainfall disrupted normal life in districts including Palghar, Raigad, Pune, Satara, Solapur, Latur, Beed, Dharashiv, Gadchiroli, and Buldhana. The showers have brought some relief from soaring temperatures, but the humidity remains high, especially in Vidarbha, where daytime temperatures are hovering above 40°C.
Early Monsoon Arrival Confirmed
The monsoon, which typically begins around May 18–20, has made an early appearance this year. It arrived in South Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 13 and advanced to the southern Arabian Sea, Maldives, and Comorin by May 15, setting the stage for its early progress toward mainland India.
Sunday Forecast: Hailstorm Risk in Pune Region
For Sunday, May 18, the IMD has maintained its Orange Alert for the four high-risk districts, citing increased chances of hailstorms in and around Pune. Residents are advised to take precautions and follow weather advisories closely.
Maharashtra Temperature Report (24-Hour Snapshot)
| City | Max Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Pune | 33.8 | 23.4 |
| Ahilyanagar | 33.8 | 21.6 |
| Dhule | 36.0 | 23.5 |
| Jalgaon | 36.4 | 25.5 |
| Kolhapur | 33.5 | 23.8 |
| Nashik | 32.2 | 23.6 |
| Solapur | 35.2 | 24.5 |
| Nagpur | 41.0 | 27.1 |
| Wardha | 41.7 | 24.6 |
| Chandrapur | 41.6 | 24.8 |
| Yavatmal | 39.0 | 24.0 |
Advisory to Residents
Authorities have urged residents across Maharashtra to remain alert, secure loose outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms, and monitor official IMD updates. The early monsoon may offer relief from the intense heat, but it also increases the risk of sudden extreme weather events including hail, flooding, and wind damage.
