Weather Update: IMD Highlights Rainfall Risks and Temperature Variations in Maharashtra

Pune, 25th February 2024: Maharashtra is gearing up for a cooler start to March, with the exception of the Konkan region, according to the latest extended range forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The forecast suggests that maximum temperatures in various parts of the state are anticipated to dip below normal levels over the next few days and continue to do so for at least the initial seven days of March.

Anupam Kashyapi, the head of the weather forecasting division at IMD-Pune, pointed out that day temperatures during the first week of March are expected to range 1-3° below normal in most parts of Maharashtra. He added that from Feb 23-29, there is a likelihood of rainfall due to wind interaction, especially in central India, covering areas such as Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.

Kashyapi highlighted the impact of western disturbances on north India during March 1-7, leading to daytime clouding and partial moisture incursion in parts of Maharashtra. He emphasized the potential risk to wheat harvest and storage in north and central India during this period, posing a threat of fungal growth even post-harvest.

According to Kashyapi, both weeks will see daytime temperatures remaining below normal for Maharashtra, except for the Konkan region in the March 1-7 period. He noted that there could be a more significant drop in daytime temperatures from Feb 23-29 compared to the subsequent week. Additionally, minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 1-2° in the central parts of Maharashtra during the first week of March compared to the last week of February, attributed to nighttime clouding and increased humidity.

Regarding rain prospects until the end of February, Kashyapi mentioned the likelihood of a new western disturbance affecting the Western Himalayan region from Feb 26. He also pointed out a cyclonic circulation over Marathwada and wind discontinuity from the cyclonic circulation to the central Arabian Sea via Vidarbha. Moreover, an anti-cyclone over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen in the next few days, resulting in wind interaction over Maharashtra and central India.