Thunderstorms likely in Konkan, western Maharashtra on October 17; yellow alert for some districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms with rain in parts of Konkan and western Maharashtra for October 17. Lightning is likely in some places, with light to moderate rain. A yellow alert has been issued for some districts as winds at 30 to 40 km per hour are possible. Most districts of north Maharashtra and Vidarbha are expected to stay dry.

Rain will not be uniform across Konkan. Palghar, Thane and Mumbai are expected to remain mainly dry. Raigad district, however, may see thunderstorms with light to moderate rain.

Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts are also forecast to get rain with lightning. Winds at 30 to 40 km per hour are possible in places, and a yellow alert has been issued for Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. People have been advised to take necessary precautions in view of the change in weather.

Some districts of western Maharashtra may be hit by rain. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is forecast for Pune, the Pune ghat areas, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur. Lightning will flash in places, with winds at 30 to 40 km per hour. A yellow alert has been issued for these areas. Farmers, travellers and other residents should keep track of local weather advisories. Extra caution is important when travelling in ghat areas.

No significant rain is forecast on October 17 for Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik, the Nashik ghat areas and Ahilyanagar in north Maharashtra. The weather will be dry in most areas, though the sky may turn cloudy in places. In Nashik, the minimum temperature is expected to be 19 degrees Celsius and the maximum about 35 degrees Celsius. Although the chance of rain is low, temperature swings may be felt.

In Marathwada, there is no special rain warning for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed and Hingoli districts. Light rain is possible in Nanded, Latur and Dharashiv districts. A yellow alert has been issued for Dharashiv district.

In Vidarbha, there is no special rain warning on October 17 for Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Bhandara, Gondia, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Nagpur, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts. Dry weather is likely to prevail mainly in these areas.

Although rain is possible in some parts of the state, temperatures are expected to keep rising elsewhere. People may therefore have to bear the heat and sudden changes in the weather. To avoid health problems, people should drink enough water, take care when going out in the sun and follow the latest advisories of the weather department.

Overall, rain is likely in some districts of Konkan and western Maharashtra on October 17. Weather in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, the relevant parts of western Maharashtra and Dharashiv will need particular watching.

A temperature forecast for the next ten days has also been given. On Sunday, October 18, the maximum will be 36 and the minimum 28 degrees Celsius. On Monday, October 19, it will be 37 and 28 degrees, and on Tuesday, October 20, 35 and 27 degrees. On Wednesday, October 21, it will be 37 and 28 degrees, on Thursday, October 22, 37 and 28 degrees, and on Friday, October 23, 35 and 26 degrees. On Saturday, October 24, the forecast is 35 and 27 degrees, on Sunday, October 25, 37 and 28 degrees, and on Monday, October 26, 35 and 26 degrees. On Tuesday, October 27, the maximum will be 36 and the minimum 25 degrees Celsius.