Maharashtra Rain Alert: Heavy Rain Likely From August 13

Nagpur: After a brief break, the monsoon is likely to become active again across Maharashtra, with rainfall intensity expected to increase in several parts of the state from August 13. The India Meteorological Department has indicated that a low-pressure area may develop over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, which could strengthen monsoon activity over Maharashtra.

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Rainfall is expected to intensify particularly across Konkan, the Western Ghats and parts of central Maharashtra. According to the weather department’s five-day forecast, most parts of North Konkan and South Konkan-Goa are likely to receive rainfall, while parts of central Maharashtra may also experience showers.

Scattered rainfall is expected over Marathwada and Vidarbha. Between August 9 and 12, rainfall is likely to continue in Konkan, while some areas could witness an increase in intensity thereafter.

Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are likely to receive spells of rain. Heavy rainfall is also possible in the ghat sections of central Maharashtra. Marathwada may receive light to moderate rainfall, with thunderstorms likely at some locations.

Landslide Risk In Ghat Areas

The weather department’s Impact-Based Forecast has warned of several risks during periods of heavy rainfall. Waterlogging in low-lying areas, localised flooding, collapse of old or weak structures, uprooting of trees and disruption to traffic are among the possible impacts.

In the ghat sections, intense rainfall could increase the risk of landslides and falling rocks. Citizens have therefore been urged to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the weather department, particularly during periods of heavy rain.

Maharashtra Records 2% More Rain Than Average

Despite earlier predictions of below-normal rainfall due to the El Niño conditions, Maharashtra has so far received above-average rainfall.

The state has recorded 637.1 mm of rainfall, compared with the average of 622.7 mm for the corresponding period. This means Maharashtra has received around 2% more rainfall than its average so far.

However, rainfall activity weakened across most parts of the state during the first week of August. Vidarbha and Marathwada have recorded below-average rainfall, with Hingoli district registering the highest rainfall deficit compared with its average.

Continuous Rainfall In Konkan, Dam Storage Rises

Meanwhile, heavy and continuous rainfall continues in South Konkan. Rain has been reported in Sindhudurg district’s Dodamarg, Sawantwadi, Kudal, Kankavli and Vaibhavwadi talukas.

Sindhudurg has recorded around 1,608 mm of rainfall so far, although the district is still facing a rainfall deficit of around 30% compared with last year.

Farmers in Sindhudurg have completed the transplantation of paddy crops. The Tilari Dam is currently 83.12% full, and water discharge into the Tilari River has begun.

Water levels have also increased in 15 small and large dams across the district, with water flowing over the spillways of some reservoirs. Overall, the district’s dams currently hold around 81% of their total storage capacity.