Ratnagiri records 39.2 deg C, Konkan swelters in humid heat; light rain likely from Thursday

Sharp sunshine has returned to Maharashtra after the withdrawal of the monsoon, and people are troubled by rising humidity. With clear skies and climbing temperatures, many areas are feeling the heat of October. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of hot and humid weather for some Konkan districts on October 13.

According to the department's forecast, Palghar, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts may see hot and humid weather on October 13. With the monsoon having withdrawn, skies are clear and temperatures are rising, while moisture in the air is making the discomfort worse. People in these areas may have to contend with humidity.

A warning of hot and humid weather has also been issued for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts on Wednesday, October 14. People in Konkan will have to guard against the sun and the higher humidity over the next few days.

In the past 24 hours, the mercury rose sharply in many parts of the state. Ratnagiri recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius, the highest in the state, followed by Harnai at 38.5 degrees Celsius. Jalgaon, on the other hand, recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature, 17.6 degrees Celsius.

Maximum temperatures have crossed 37 degrees Celsius in most parts of the state, making the sun harsh during the day. This rise in temperature in October is affecting people's daily lives. Those stepping out in the afternoon may suffer from the heat.

Conditions for rain are also building in some areas. From Thursday, rain is possible at some places in South Konkan, West Maharashtra and South Marathwada, which could bring some relief from the heat. The IMD has forecast light rain in the Pune ghat areas, Raigad, Pune, Satara, Beed and Jalna districts. People in these areas should keep an eye on local weather updates.

According to the IMD, conditions are favourable over the next two days for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the remaining parts of the country. Conditions are also building for the onset of northeast monsoon rain in peninsular South India. The northern limit of the monsoon's withdrawal is currently passing through Dhubri, Kolkata, Angul, Khammam and Honnavar. Weather in different parts of the country could therefore change over the next few days. In Maharashtra too, rain and temperature conditions may vary from district to district.

A few precautions are necessary to cope with the heat and humidity. Avoid direct sun between 12 noon and 4 pm. Cover your head with a cap or umbrella when leaving home. Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration. Wear light, loose cotton clothes. Small children, the elderly and those who work in the sun should take special care.

Overall, hot and humid weather continues to affect the state, but conditions for rain are building in some areas, so temperatures may dip slightly. Even so, people should remain careful given the changes in heat and humidity. Follow the IMD's official updates and take precautions according to local conditions. Given the forecast of hot and humid weather, people in Konkan should avoid stepping out needlessly in the afternoon.