Rain Intensifies Across State; Maharashtra to Witness More Downpours in Next 48 Hours: What’s Behind This May Weather Twist?
Rain Intensifies Across State; Maharashtra to Witness More Downpours in Next 48 Hours: What’s Behind This May Weather Twist?
Maharashtra is witnessing unseasonal heavy rainfall across several regions including Mumbai, Pune, Vidarbha, and Marathwada. IMD forecasts continued downpour till May 24 due to a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea.
Pune, May 22: Unseasonal and intense rainfall continues to lash various parts of Maharashtra this May, a month typically known for sweltering heat. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune, heavy showers are likely to persist till May 24 across South Konkan and South Central Maharashtra. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, warning of more intense weather activity in the coming days.
Districts such as Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Pune are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meteorologist Jalindar Sab of the IMD confirmed that strong winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h, along with thunderstorms and lightning, may accompany the downpour.
Rainfall in Mumbai and Pune
Mumbai and Pune experienced heavy rainfall on Wednesday night. In Pune, over 54 incidents of tree falls were reported due to the stormy weather. Fire brigade personnel swiftly cleared roads by removing fallen trees and branches to ensure smooth traffic movement. In Mumbai’s western suburbs including Kandivali, Borivali, Malad, Dahisar, Goregaon, and Andheri, thunderstorm activity was observed, accompanied by brief yet intense spells of rain.
Why Is It Raining in May?
This unusual weather is attributed to a low-pressure system formed over the Arabian Sea, parallel to the Goa and Karnataka coastline. This system is driving early pre-monsoon showers into Maharashtra. Typically, pre-monsoon activity begins in early June, but this year’s early onset of the monsoon in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has resulted in advanced weather changes in the state.
Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure
The unseasonal rain has significantly affected farmers across regions. Crops have been damaged in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, with reports of rotting onions in Beed and widespread losses in other agricultural produce. In Amravati, overnight showers inundated roads and exposed gaps in the municipal rain-preparedness.
In Dharashiv, continuous rain was reported throughout Wednesday night. The downpour in Amravati district disrupted daily life and sparked fresh concerns about urban drainage.
Forecast Ahead
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions as heavy rain is expected to continue for the next 48 hours. The rare intensity of rainfall in May, typically a dry month, underscores changing climate patterns and has sparked concern among weather experts and farmers alike.
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