Rain alert for seven Maharashtra districts as returning monsoon turns active

The state is seeing two faces of the weather these days. Harsh sun has left people sweating in some places, while sudden rain has arrived in others. Konkan and western Maharashtra have had good rain for the past two days. The weather department has issued a new forecast, according to which rain will prevail across the state for the next two to three days.

According to the weather department, a cyclonic circulation has formed off north Tamil Nadu and the Andhra Pradesh coast. These winds are circulating at a height of about 4 to 6 km. A similar situation exists near Lakshadweep. As a result, a low-pressure belt has become active from Kerala to the coastal areas of Karnataka. This is why conditions for rain have built up in Maharashtra.

Today, October 18, the weather will stay dry in Mumbai and Palghar, with little chance of rain. Light to moderate rain is forecast in Raigad. A warning of heavy rain has been issued for Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, with thunder and lightning and winds of 40 to 50 km per hour. A yellow alert has been issued for both districts.

The returning monsoon gathered strength in Ratnagiri yesterday. Chiplun and north Ratnagiri had torrential rain. Roads were waterlogged and normal life was somewhat disrupted.

The sun's retreat brought people relief, but farmers are more worried. It is the paddy harvest season, and the crop in hand will suffer heavy losses if it gets wet in the rain. Farmers are therefore anxious.

Rain has reached western Maharashtra too. Light to moderate rain is possible in places in Pune city, the Pune ghats and Satara district. Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur will have stormy rain with thunder. The weather department has issued a yellow alert here as well.

In Sangli district, rain fell in many places yesterday itself. Kadegaon and Tasgaon talukas had heavy rain. Devrashtre, Vadiye, Raibag, Balawade, Kavathe Mahankal and Daflapur villages received good rainfall. The sky was cloudy from morning and rain began in the afternoon. Rain in the dry belt has given farmers some relief.

Along with Konkan and western Maharashtra, rain with lightning is also likely in places in Marathwada. In the rest of the state, Vidarbha and north Maharashtra, the heat of the sun will continue and conditions for rain have not yet formed there.

On the whole, the returning monsoon has now become active in the state. Farmers are being advised to look after their crops and cover them if needed. People are advised to avoid going out of their homes during stormy winds.