Cold Wave Eases Across Maharashtra; Rain Forecast Triggers Worries for Mango and Cashew Growers

Pune, 23rd November 2025: The cold wave gripping several parts of Maharashtra has weakened as the flow of northern winds reduced on Saturday, paving the way for a shift towards cloudier conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain accompanied by lightning at isolated places in Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra today.

Dhule recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 8.5°C, measured at the Agricultural College. However, the dip in temperatures seen over the past week has begun to ease in many regions, particularly in Konkan and South Madhya Maharashtra.

In Sindhudurg district, the weather turned noticeably warmer as clouds gathered by evening. The IMD has issued a rain forecast for Sunday (23rd) and Monday (24th), raising concerns among mango and cashew growers whose orchards are currently at a crucial developmental stage.

Farmers in Sindhudurg had only recently resumed normal agricultural activity after six months of continuous rainfall ended on November 8. With the dry spell, harvesting of paddy and gram picked up rapidly, alongside cleaning and maintenance work in mango and cashew orchards. The district witnessed foggy mornings followed by a sharp drop in temperature over the last eight to ten days, with minimum temperatures touching 10°C in many pockets — conditions ideal for flowering in both crops.

However, since the last three to four days, the cold has gradually diminished. On Saturday morning, the chill had almost vanished as winds slowed down. By afternoon, the weather began shifting, with clouds covering large parts of the district. In the eastern belt, conditions looked favourable for immediate rainfall, prompting farmers to hurriedly secure paddy that had been left out to dry.

The possibility of rain during this sensitive phase has heightened anxiety among orchardists. Mango flowering has begun in some areas, while cashew trees are sprouting new leaves and blooms. Growers fear that rain or prolonged cloudy conditions could trigger pest attacks and fungal diseases, potentially damaging early flowering and reducing next season’s yield.

Currently, pest incidence in orchards is low, but experts warn that moisture and overcast weather could lead to a surge. With paddy harvesting nearing completion and perennial crops entering a critical stage, farmers across Sindhudurg are closely watching the sky — hoping the forecasted light showers do not intensify.