Maharashtra: Pre-monsoon showers continue to drench Maharashtra, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts across several regions of the state. The districts of Ratnagiri and Raigad have been placed under a red alert, signalling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Simultaneously, Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Sindhudurg, and the hilly areas of Pune and Satara are under an orange alert.
As per the IMD forecast, Mumbai is likely to experience heavy to very heavy showers on May 23 and 24, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds with speeds reaching 50 to 60 km/h. Raigad will be under red alert on May 23, while Ratnagiri is expected to face intense downpours on both May 22 and 23. The IMD has also warned of possible lightning strikes and gale-force winds, especially along the coast and in ghat sections.
The orange alert also encompasses districts like Kolhapur, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where significant rainfall and thunderstorm activity are anticipated. An orange alert typically indicates rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period.
Fisherfolk have been urged to stay cautious as the IMD has advised suspension of fishing activities in the east-central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea on May 25 and 26 due to expected turbulent sea conditions. Similar advisories are in effect for the Somalia coast, the southwest Arabian Sea, the Andhra Pradesh coastline, the west-central Bay of Bengal (from May 21 to 26), and the Andaman Sea on May 26.
The Konkan belt, particularly Sindhudurg district, has already been witnessing intense pre-monsoon activity for the past three days. A fresh orange alert has now been issued there for the next 24 hours amid growing concerns of worsening weather. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid travel unless necessary. Farmers, in particular, have been advised to take measures to protect crops and livestock from potential damage.
