The monsoon has gained strength across Maharashtra, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Pune, Konkan, and several other parts of the state from June 19 to June 22. In response to the forecast, Raigad district authorities have announced a holiday for all schools and colleges on June 19 as a precautionary measure.
Since early Thursday, continuous heavy showers accompanied by strong winds have affected Mumbai and the Konkan region, including Thane, Palghar, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad. An orange alert has been declared for Mumbai, where rainfall is expected to exceed 70 mm today. Waterlogging in low-lying areas has slowed down suburban rail services on both the Central and Western Railway lines.
In Pune, moderate to heavy rain began early in the morning, causing disruptions to daily activities. Popular tourist destinations like Lonavala recorded intense rainfall, with 221 mm falling within the last 24 hours. Pune has already seen a significant increase in rainfall this year, registering 1,166 mm compared to just 323 mm during the same period last year.
Regional Rainfall Forecast:
Konkan (June 19): Very heavy rain expected in Palghar, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri.
Mumbai: Persistent showers with thunder and strong winds forecasted.
Western Ghats (Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Nashik): Heavy rain on June 19, continuing as moderate to heavy rainfall through June 22.
North Maharashtra: Moderate rains with gusty winds in Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Jalgaon.
Marathwada and Central Maharashtra: Thunderstorms and light to moderate rains anticipated in Ahmednagar, Solapur, Sangli, Aurangabad, Beed, Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, and Parbhani.
Vidarbha: Heavy rainfall alerts in Nagpur, Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, Wardha, Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, and Washim.
In Raigad district, concerns over extreme rainfall and rising water levels in the Kundalika River near Roha have prompted authorities to suspend classes in areas including Alibag, Roha, Tala, Mahad, and Poladpur. The decision was confirmed by District Collector Kishan Jawale.
The IMD has cautioned residents and visitors to stay away from riverbanks and hilly regions during the ongoing monsoon. Farmers and local officials have been advised to remain alert as varied weather conditions continue to affect the state.
