Pune Braces for Intense Rainfall as IMD Issues Warnings and Alerts
Maharashtra Weather Update: Rainfall Subsides, Monsoon Withdrawal Delayed
Pune Rain Alert: is set to face heavy rainfall with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting extremely heavy showers in isolated ghat regions and moderate rain in the plains. The IMD has issued yellow alerts across Maharashtra, including districts such as Palghar, Thane, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal. These alerts signal possible thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 40 km/h.
Additionally, the IMD has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall for Palghar, Thane, and Raigad until August 6. Mumbai is currently under a yellow alert due to strong winds and heavy rain, while Pune and Satara are on red alert for extreme rainfall in the upcoming days.
Over the next two days, light to moderate showers are expected, with the rainfall intensity set to increase on August 4, bringing heavy weather activity in the evening and night. The Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra regions are likely to see heavy to very heavy rain in isolated ghat areas. The IMD has also issued a nowcast alert for moderate rain in parts of Palghar, Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg.
In response to the severe weather, District Collector Suhas Diwase has announced the closure of NH 753, which leads to Tamhini Ghat, until August 5 due to road damage from heavy rainfall. This closure will impact regional travel.
Severe Flooding Hits Nashik District, Disrupting Life and Infrastructure
Nashik district in Maharashtra is grappling with a severe flooding crisis that has severely impacted the area. The floodwaters have spread extensively across the Goda Ghat region, causing extensive damage to both life and property. Persistent heavy rainfall over the past two days has led to a significant rise in the Godavari River’s water levels, heightening concerns among residents and officials.
The escalating water levels in the Godavari River are exacerbating the flood situation, submerging not only Goda Ghat but also several surrounding areas. This severe inundation has disrupted road traffic, making it challenging for residents to leave their homes. Many roads and bridges are completely underwater, creating substantial difficulties for emergency services and worsening the overall crisis.
Looking forward, the IMD forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall for August and September, attributed to developing La Niña conditions. The department anticipates that monsoon rains will be at 94-106% of the long-period average in August.
As Pune and surrounding areas prepare for heavy rains, residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for potential disruptions and emergencies. In Mumbai, where continuous rainfall has been affecting flights, IndiGo has issued an advisory for passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed two teams in Balewadi and Chinchwad, Pune, due to ongoing rain. Flood warnings are in place for low-lying areas in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with continuous dam water releases contributing to rising flood risks. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to take precautions, while drivers are cautioned about low visibility and landslide risks on ghat sections.
