Rain, lightning alert for Marathwada, Konkan, central Maharashtra; Solapur hottest
IMD warns of thunderstorms and rain in three regions as Solapur records the state's highest temperature at 37.9 degrees Celsius
The weather has seen major swings over the past few days, with rain absent in most areas and intense heat continuing to trouble people. Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast rain with lightning in Marathwada as well as Konkan and central Maharashtra, and has warned people to stay alert.
According to the weather department, central Maharashtra, Konkan and Marathwada are likely to see thunderstorms with lightning and rain. Light rain with lightning is possible in some parts of the rest of the state. Many areas are facing intense sunshine. In the 24 hours up to Friday (the 18th) morning, Solapur recorded the state's highest temperature at 37.9 degrees Celsius. This was followed by Jeur, Amravati, Parbhani, Akola and Wardha, which recorded temperatures above 36 degrees, while Chandrapur recorded above 35 degrees. Cyclonic wind conditions are present at a height of 4.5 kilometres above sea level around north Tamil Nadu. A low-pressure belt extends from Marathwada through Karnataka to the southeast Arabian Sea.
Meanwhile, the low-pressure area associated with the monsoon axis has also dispersed. The weather department says the monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from west Rajasthan on Saturday (the 19th). Once the monsoon withdraws, the country will see the onset of retreating rain.
The state's lowest temperature was recorded in Mahabaleshwar at 17.5 degrees Celsius. In the 24 hours up to 8:30 am, Sonpeth in Marathwada's Parbhani district recorded the highest rainfall at 110 millimetres, while Parli Vaijnath in Beed recorded 100 millimetres.
Maharashtra has received only 83.5 percent of average rainfall between June 1 and September 6, 2026, which is 16.5 percent below average. This prolonged dry spell has put kharif crops at risk in several districts of the state. Beed recorded only 68.5 percent of average rainfall.
The large gap in rainfall across the state has raised concerns about a possible water shortage. To protect drinking water sources, the government has directed restrictions on the use of groundwater. It remains to be seen whether this order will also apply in Pune district.
