MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that widespread monsoon rainfall across the state is improbable before June 15. He advised farmers to avoid rushing into sowing activities based on the current spell of rain.
Weather Update and Monsoon Progress
Sharing a weather update from the state government, Fadnavis noted that while the southwest monsoon has entered the South Konkan region and moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9, both the rainfall intensity and the monsoon's progress across Maharashtra are expected to slow in the coming days.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office explained, "Likelihood of monsoon rains across the state remains low at least until June 15. However, according to the current weather forecast, the overall intensity of rainfall in the state, as well as the pace of the monsoon's progress, is likely to decrease at least until June 15. As a result, the possibility of satisfactory rainfall across the state during this period is low."
Government Advisory for Farmers and Citizens
The state government issued an advisory through the Agriculture and Disaster Management departments, urging farmers and the public to stay vigilant amid changing weather conditions. The advisory stated: "Do not rush into sowing depending on the upcoming stormy rains. Avoid taking shelter under trees, under tin sheds, or near electric transformers, electric poles, and power lines during lightning and thunder."
Regarding rainfall prospects in different regions, the Maharashtra CMO noted, "According to the current weather forecast, at least until June 15, there is a possibility of afternoon clouds, scattered thunderstorms with gusty winds, and rain in parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and Central Maharashtra. However, the situation does not yet appear conducive for this rainfall to benefit sowing over a wide area."
Temperature Forecast
The government further said, "Meanwhile, it is likely that the maximum temperatures in many parts of the state will remain high as at present until at least June 12. The maximum temperature is expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Vidarbha and Khandesh, while in Marathwada it is forecasted to be between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius."
IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further advancement of the southwest monsoon across several parts of the country in the coming days. The weather agency has also predicted widespread rainfall activity and issued alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple regions over the week ahead.
