The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a combination of heatwave conditions, hot and humid weather, and thunderstorm activity across various parts of Maharashtra over the next five days, according to its latest district-wise weather bulletin.
Mumbai, Palghar and several areas of north Maharashtra are expected to experience mainly dry weather conditions until May 20. However, isolated hot and humid conditions are likely in Thane and Raigad districts on Saturday before the weather turns dry in the coming days.
In Mumbai, the Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 34.3 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz registered 34.1 degrees Celsius. No rainfall activity was reported in the state on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 50 kmph in parts of Konkan, western Maharashtra and Marathwada.
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts are likely to witness thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over the next two days, followed by light to moderate showers and thundershowers till May 20. Ratnagiri recorded a maximum temperature of 34.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
Several districts in western Maharashtra, including Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur, have also been placed under thunderstorm alert with chances of gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph at isolated locations.
Pune, Ahilyanagar and the ghat regions of Pune are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers between May 16 and May 18. Pune’s Shivajinagar station recorded 39.2 degrees Celsius, which was 2.3 degrees above normal.
According to the IMD, Pune is likely to witness partly cloudy skies by Sunday afternoon or evening, with temperatures expected to hover around 38 degrees Celsius maximum and 24 degrees Celsius minimum.
In Marathwada, districts including Beed, Nanded, Latur and Dharashiv are likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning and moderate rainfall over the next three days. The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter near trees or electrical structures.
On Saturday, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded 41.6 degrees Celsius, while Parbhani touched 44 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in Vidarbha districts such as Akola, Amravati, Nagpur and Wardha until May 20. The highest temperature in the state was recorded at 46 degrees Celsius in Amravati and Wardha.
The IMD has urged people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to heat, and take precautions while stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours.
The department has also issued an advisory for farmers, urging them to complete harvesting of mature crops and safely store produce due to the possibility of unseasonal rain and strong winds in several regions.