The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of Maharashtra while forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in several districts of South Maharashtra and Konkan-Goa over the next two days (May 12 and 13).
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated pockets of North Madhya Maharashtra, including Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar, till Wednesday, May 13. Marathwada districts such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna are also expected to witness heatwave conditions on May 12 and 13.
The IMD on Monday said maximum temperatures across the interior parts of Maharashtra are expected to rise gradually by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius during the next five days before a slight fall later in the week.
Thunderstorms and Rain Forecast in South Maharashtra
The weather department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph in isolated areas of South Madhya Maharashtra on May 11.
Districts including Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli and parts of Satara are likely to witness rain and thunderstorm activity. Similar conditions are expected in isolated areas of Sindhudurg and South Konkan-Goa.
The IMD has also warned of strong winds in parts of Maharashtra. On Sunday, May 10, gusts of up to 43 kmph were recorded in Ambejogai in Beed district, while Hingoli recorded wind speeds of 35 kmph.
Hot and Humid Conditions in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad
Mumbai, Thane and Raigad are expected to continue experiencing hot and humid weather conditions over the next few days. The IMD has forecast mainly clear skies in Mumbai and suburbs, with temperatures likely to remain around 35 to 36 degrees Celsius during the day and 26 to 27 degrees Celsius at night.
Also Read | Mumbai Weather Update: Temperature To Cross 36 Degrees Celsius Today, Yellow Alert in Thane.
Ratnagiri may witness light rain or thundershowers towards afternoon or evening on May 11, while Sindhudurg could receive moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.
Gujarat Continues to Reel Under Heat
The weather department said heatwave conditions prevailed in isolated pockets of South Gujarat on Sunday. Surendranagar recorded the highest maximum temperature in the region at 45 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures remained above normal in Konkan-Goa, North Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch regions.
Fishermen Advisory Issued
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into parts of the Sri Lanka coast, Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Comorin area due to squally weather conditions and wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph over the next few days.
Low-Pressure Area Over the Bay of Bengal
The IMD said a low-pressure area persists over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the north Sri Lanka coast and is likely to intensify further during the next 48 hours. Associated cyclonic circulations and trough systems are influencing weather activity across southern parts of the country.
IMD Advisories for Public and Farmers
The weather department has advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to heat during afternoon hours, stay hydrated and wear light cotton clothing.
Farmers in thunderstorm-prone districts have been advised to harvest mature crops early and keep them in safe storage. The IMD also warned of possible damage to standing crops, weak structures and localised power disruptions due to gusty winds and lightning activity.