The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave and thunderstorm warning for several districts of Maharashtra over the next few days, with isolated areas likely to witness lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Mumbai, heatwave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets of South Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada on May 18 and May 19. Districts including Sangli, Solapur, Parbhani, Hingoli, Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal are expected to remain under heatwave conditions during the forecast period.
Parbhani recorded the highest maximum temperature in the region at 45.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, May 17.
Thunderstorm Warning
The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall in parts of South Konkan-Goa, South Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada. Districts likely to be affected include Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Satara, Latur and Dharashiv.
Light to moderate rain and thundershowers are also likely in parts of Pune, Raigad, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Beed and Nanded over the next two to three days.
In Vidarbha, isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia and Wardha on May 18. Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of Nagpur, Akola, Amravati and Yavatmal during the week.
IMD Warning to Farmers
The weather department said gusty winds and unseasonal rainfall may lead to minor damage to weak structures, standing crops and plantations. Farmers have been advised to complete harvesting of mature crops and store produce in safe places. The IMD also advised people to avoid open areas during thunderstorms and remain hydrated during periods of intense heat.
The department said no major change in maximum temperatures is expected over Maharashtra during the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual fall of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius thereafter.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has advanced further into parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The IMD said conditions are favourable for further advancement over the next few days, and the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26, with a possible variation of four days.
Mumbai Weather for Next 48 Hours
For Mumbai, the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies over the next 48 hours, with maximum temperatures around 34 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius.