Monsoon sluggish in Maharashtra, no heavy rain alert for September 18

The monsoon has slowed down in Maharashtra, with rain taking a long break in several parts of the state. Light drizzle is occurring in some places, but the overall lack of rain means the rainfall deficit continues. No heavy rain alert has been issued for any part of the state for September 18, so most districts are expected to remain dry.

There is currently no rain alert for the Konkan region. Rain has been on hold here for the past few days, with light drizzle possible in some places, but chances of widespread or heavy rain are low. As a result, the rainfall deficit could persist in parts of Konkan.

In North Maharashtra, parts of Dhule, Nandurbar and Nashik districts could see light to moderate rain, with rain also likely in the ghat areas of Nashik. On the other hand, the weather in Jalgaon district is expected to remain mostly dry. Some change in the weather over North Maharashtra is possible over the next two to three days.

Pune, Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts could see light rain in some places. The ghat areas of Pune, Satara and Kolhapur could see light to moderate rain with thundershowers. However, most areas are currently experiencing heat and humidity along with cloud cover. The weather in these areas could change again after the next two days.

The situation remains a matter of concern in Marathwada. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Beed are expected to remain mostly dry, while Hingoli, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv and Parbhani could see light to moderate drizzle in some places. However, the lack of rain in many areas has kept the rainfall deficit going, raising concerns for kharif crops and farmers.

Rainfall is also sluggish in Vidarbha. There is currently no rain alert for Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha and Yavatmal districts. The weather is expected to remain mostly dry over the next few days. A rainfall deficit is being felt in many parts of Vidarbha, with the effects of heat also visible in some places.

Overall, with no rain alert anywhere in the state on September 18, the weather is expected to remain dry. Some districts could see localised light drizzle, but chances of heavy rain are currently low. All eyes are on how the weather changes in the coming days before the monsoon withdrawal process begins. Whether the rainfall deficit in Marathwada and Vidarbha in particular will be made up is a crucial question for farmers.

According to temperature forecasts, the maximum temperature on September 19 is expected to be 32 degrees Celsius and the minimum 26 degrees Celsius. On September 20 and 21, the maximum is expected to be 33 degrees and minimum 26 degrees; on September 22, maximum 32 and minimum 26 degrees; and on September 23 too, maximum 32 and minimum 26 degrees Celsius. On September 24, the maximum is expected to be 33 and minimum 26 degrees; on September 25, maximum 33 and minimum 27 degrees; on September 26, maximum 32 and minimum 25 degrees; on September 27, maximum 33 and minimum 27 degrees; while on September 28, the temperature is expected to be a maximum of 33 and minimum of 26 degrees Celsius.