The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for Friday, May 15. According to the forecast, Palghar, Thane, Mumbai and Raigad are expected to witness a heat wave in isolated pockets today. The IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of around 36 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius.
Also, heatwave conditions in several districts of Maharashtra over the next five days, while thunderstorms, lightning and moderate rainfall are expected in parts of Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heatwave conditions are likely at isolated places in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur and Wardha between May 15 and May 18.
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Mumbai, Thane and Raigad are expected to remain dry for most of the forecast period, with heatwave conditions likely in isolated pockets. Light rain and thundershowers may occur in Thane and Raigad towards the weekend.
The IMD said Jalgaon recorded the highest maximum temperature in the region at 45.6 degrees Celsius. Heatwave and warm night conditions were reported in parts of North Madhya Maharashtra, while hailstorms were recorded at isolated places in South Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada.
Rainfall Update in Maharashtra
Several districts in western Maharashtra and Konkan are likely to receive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph. Districts including Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Nanded, Latur and Dharashiv are expected to witness thunderstorms with lightning and moderate rainfall over the next few days.
The IMD also forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers in Ratnagiri, Pune and nearby ghat regions. Parts of South Konkan-Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada recorded isolated rainfall on Wednesday.
The weather department advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, remain hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. Farmers have been advised to complete harvesting of mature crops, avoid chemical spraying during thunderstorm activity and move harvested produce to safe storage areas.
The IMD warned that thunderstorms could lead to localised power disruptions, damage to crops, weak structures and trees due to gusty winds and lightning strikes.