Unseasonal rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds forecast across Maharashtra from October 29 to 31

With Diwali close, the weather in Maharashtra has turned again. According to the latest forecast of the weather department, unseasonal rain may fall in many districts of the state between October 29 and 31. Thunder, lightning and gusty winds are also likely. The rain has raised concern among farmers, who have begun a scramble to save crops that are ready for harvest.

The spell begins on October 29, when the weather is expected to be adverse in many parts of the state. In Raigad, Ratnagiri, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalna, Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gondia and Nagpur districts, lightning with thunder, light to moderate rain and gusty winds at 30 to 40 km per hour are possible at isolated places.

In Nashik and the ghat areas of Nashik, wind speed could be higher, at 40 to 50 km per hour. A thundery rain with lightning has also been forecast for the ghat areas of Pune and Satara districts.

The weather will change slightly on October 30. Isolated light to moderate rain, and rain with thunder, is very likely in districts of north Central Maharashtra. Konkan-Goa, south Central Maharashtra and Marathwada may get isolated light rain or showers with thunder. The forecast of isolated rain continues for Vidarbha and Marathwada as well.

Some relief is likely on October 31. Districts in south Central Maharashtra may see isolated light rain or rain with thunder. South Konkan-Goa will be partly cloudy. North Konkan, north Central Maharashtra and Marathwada are very likely to have mainly clear skies. A slight chance of isolated rain remains in Vidarbha.

Region-wise, on October 29 rain is possible at some places in Konkan, with isolated lightning, thunder and gusty winds. Central Maharashtra is expected to see isolated rain, thunder, lightning and gusty winds. Marathwada may get isolated rain, while Vidarbha may see isolated lightning, thunder and gusty winds.

On October 30, isolated rain is possible in Konkan, Marathwada and Vidarbha. Central Maharashtra will get rain at some places, with isolated lightning, thunder and gusty winds. On October 31, isolated rain is possible in all four regions: Konkan, Central Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha.

Harvesting and threshing of kharif crops are in their final stage across the state. The sudden unseasonal rain has caused anxiety among farmers, who fear that harvested paddy, soybean, cotton and other crops will get wet and be damaged.

The administration and the agriculture department are appealing to farmers to cover their produce or move it to a safe place. Citizens have also been directed to step out only after checking the weather forecast and to avoid taking shelter under trees during stormy winds.