Monsoon withdrawal begins, but heavy rain alert for Vidarbha, Marathwada till Sept 28
Even as the monsoon starts retreating from parts of Rajasthan, a Bay of Bengal low pressure area is set to bring fresh heavy rain to Maharashtra.
The monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of western Rajasthan, but there is no relief in sight yet for Maharashtra. Weather conditions remain favourable for the monsoon's withdrawal to gather pace over the next three to four days from parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Saurashtra-Kutch. However, a low pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal could once again intensify rainfall in Maharashtra, with Vidarbha and Marathwada likely to be worst affected.
The weather department has forecast moderate to heavy rain in these two regions, and has issued warnings of thunder, strong winds and heavy downpours in various districts of the state till September 23.
The withdrawal of the monsoon began two days later than normal this year, starting from parts of Rajasthan on September 19, against the usual start date of September 17. Meanwhile, a cyclonic circulation over the north Andaman Sea and its surrounding areas is expected to lead to the formation of another low pressure area in the same region.
This weather change over the Bay of Bengal is already being felt in Maharashtra. According to the weather department, rainfall activity is likely to increase in Maharashtra and Goa till September 25, bringing relief to several districts of the state and intensifying rain in interior areas as well.
Moderate to heavy rain is expected in Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur and Pune districts till September 22. Earlier, on September 21, Nashik received moderate rainfall, while moderate rain was also forecast for Ahilyanagar and parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha. Rain is expected to continue over Marathwada on September 22.
Good rainfall is forecast over most parts of Maharashtra between September 21 and 28. This rain, coming in the final phase of the monsoon, could bring relief from drought-like conditions in several areas and prove beneficial for farmers.
This final phase of monsoon rain is being seen as significant for Maharashtra's drought-affected areas. It is expected to raise water levels in water sources and act as a lifeline for kharif crops, offering major relief to local farmers.
