Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds continue to disrupt life in Maharashtra, prompting multiple weather alerts today.
Unseasonal and heavy rain pounded different regions of Maharashtra, leading to extensive crop damage, damage to property, and even deaths. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued new alerts for thunderstorms, hailstorms, and heavy rain, asking residents in several districts to remain vigilant and take precautions.
Widespread Rain and Storms to Continue Across Maharashtra
A number of places in Maharashtra continue to be on alert as general rain, thunder, and gale-force winds continue to prevail in the state. Central and southern Maharashtra, especially Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, are threatened by thunderstorms and hailstorms today, the IMD has announced.
In the rest of the state, such as Konkan and Vidarbha, there are also expected to be strong gusts of wind with moderate to heavy rain. The state is under a yellow alert, which is a moderate risk level.
Cyclonic Circulation Fuels the Storms
The current weather disturbance is caused by a cyclonic circulation covering southern Telangana and areas around it. From there, a low-pressure trough runs northwesterly from Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu into the Gulf of Mannar.
Thanks to this system, cloud cover has grown in Maharashtra, maintaining the air humid and temperatures on a continuous slide. Thunderstorms and hailstorms have already been reported in Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha, indicating the intensity and spread of the system.
Orange and Yellow Alerts: High Watch Districts
The IMD has raised alerts in certain districts because of the increasing threat:
Orange Alert: For Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Beed, for very heavy rain, thunder showers, and possible hail.
Yellow Alert: For Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg (Konkan belt), and Nandurbar, Dhule, Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur (Madhya Maharashtra) as a possibility of heavy rainfall and squally winds.
These warnings underline the intensity and spread of the weather phenomenon over a geographic area, which incites district authorities to set their emergency response in action.
Property Damage in Palghar Residences and Crops
The Konkan coastal Palghar district faced a fresh spate of rain and gales in the early hours this morning after a troubled night. Palghar’s western side saw massive rainfall, whereas the eastern parts remain drenched.
Numerous homes in rural areas have been damaged structurally, and rice cultivation and brick-making units that are essential to the local economy are severely damaged due to waterlogging and wind. Local officials are counting their losses and making relief efforts.
Death and Flooding in Kalyan
Kalyan East witnessed a tragic turn of events when three people lost their lives when a tree fell during sudden, unseasonal rain yesterday. The city has continued to experience heavy rains and sleet today, with the skies still dark and overcast since morning.
Emergency services have been sent out, and locals are advised to stay indoors and not travel unless absolutely necessary.
Falling Temperatures, Rising Risks
With the monsoon-like cloud cover lingering across Maharashtra, daytime temperatures have dropped significantly, creating an unusually cool climate for early May. While this may offer relief from the typical summer heat, it has raised concerns about further hail and storm development, especially in higher altitude regions.
Farmers and outdoor workers have been advised to halt field activities and remain informed through official IMD bulletins so that they are not surprised by unexpected changes in the weather.
Public Safety and Government Advisory Measures
Considering the deteriorating weather conditions, state government and local authorities have issued the following advisories:
- Don’t park automobiles under trees or makeshift roofs.
- Remain indoors during thunder or gusts.
- Farmers must cover crops with plastic sheets if possible.
- Avoid driving through low-lying or flood-prone areas.
- Report downed electric lines or fallen trees to emergency helplines.
Rescue teams, emergency personnel, and medical units have been put on standby in the high-risk districts, with schools in some areas temporarily closed.
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