Yellow alert in 12 Maharashtra districts as thunderstorms likely on October 19

Maharashtra is seeing mixed weather once again. Parts of the state may get thunderstorms with lightning and rain, while some districts are expected to stay dry. According to the India Meteorological Department's forecast, rain is possible in parts of Konkan, western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha. There is no specific rain warning for north Maharashtra, so humid conditions may persist there.

In Konkan, the weather on October 19 is likely to vary. Palghar, Thane and Mumbai are expected to stay mostly dry. The weather may change in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, which are under a yellow alert. Thunderstorms with lightning are possible there, with winds of 40 to 50 km/h. People in the area should be careful during storms. Farmers, fishermen and travellers in particular should heed local weather advisories.

There is no specific rain warning for Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon and Nashik districts in north Maharashtra. The weather may stay dry in most places. Rising temperatures may bring heat and humidity. For those waiting for rain, the conditions may be disappointing. Sunshine is likely to be harsh during the day, so people should drink plenty of water and avoid staying long in the sun.

In western Maharashtra, rain with lightning is likely in the hilly areas of Pune, Satara and Kolhapur districts. Winds may blow at 30 to 40 km/h in some places. A yellow alert is forecast for these areas. Sangli and Solapur districts may see light showers or thunderstorms with rain in some places. Those travelling through ghat areas should take special care, as visibility may drop if rain begins suddenly, and vehicles may slow down on the roads.

Weather may also change locally in Marathwada. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna are expected to stay dry. Light showers may fall in parts of Parbhani, Hingoli and Nanded districts. Winds of 40 to 50 km/h are likely in Beed, Latur and Dharashiv districts. People should therefore avoid stopping under trees or near weak structures during storms. Farmers should also keep the local forecast in mind to protect their crops.

Most districts of Vidarbha have no specific rain warning, but a yellow alert is forecast for Nagpur and Gadchiroli districts, where light to moderate rain with lightning is possible. There is no specific rain alert for Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gondia, Wardha, Washim and Yavatmal districts. The weather in Vidarbha may thus differ from district to district.

Overall, parts of Maharashtra will see thunderstorms and rain on October 19, while some places are expected to be dry and hot. People in districts under a yellow alert should stay in a safe place during lightning and strong winds. Given the changing weather, it will be important to check the India Meteorological Department's latest updates before planning travel.