The pre-monsoon spell has arrived in Maharashtra, bringing much-needed respite from the recent heatwave. Light showers began late on Sunday night and continued into Monday morning, gradually intensifying as the day progressed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall across key regions, including Mumbai, Pune, Konkan, and Vidarbha, from 17 to 20 May.
As pre-monsoon conditions build, dense cloud cover has settled over several cities, signalling further downpours in the coming days. While the showers have offered temporary relief from sweltering temperatures, they have also started to disrupt routine life in many areas. In Ratnagiri, consistent rainfall affected daily activities but also brought a welcome coolness to the air. The Sahyadri hill region experienced intense rainfall on Sunday evening, resulting in power outages in remote parts.
The onset of the monsoon in the Andaman Islands marks the beginning of the rainy season in the region, with Kerala likely to receive rains by 27 May. Meanwhile, a sudden two-hour downpour in Nandura, located in Buldhana district, caused significant infrastructural damage and traffic congestion. A railway gate malfunction on the Nandura-Burhanpur route triggered a traffic jam stretching over four kilometres. In addition, strong winds reportedly blew off rooftops in several areas, adding to residents’ woes.
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms and gusty winds across Marathwada from Tuesday, with isolated heavy showers expected in Vidarbha. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and take necessary precautions as the state prepares for further turbulent weather.
Source: Mumbai Now.
