Maharashtra is unlikely to witness widespread and satisfactory monsoon rainfall before June 15, prompting authorities to advise farmers against rushing with sowing operations.
Monsoon Progress and Forecast
Officials on Sunday stated that weather forecasts indicate subdued rainfall activity and slow monsoon advancement across the state. While the southwest monsoon has entered south Konkan, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9, the overall rainfall pattern across Maharashtra is expected to remain weak over the next week, according to the Maharashtra Agriculture and Disaster Management Department.
Regional Weather Outlook
Parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and Madhya Maharashtra may experience cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms accompanied by rain during afternoon hours until at least June 15. However, this rainfall is unlikely to be adequate for widespread sowing activities. The department emphasized that current weather conditions do not indicate satisfactory and widespread rainfall across the state.
Advisory for Farmers
Farmers have been advised not to undertake sowing operations merely based on forecast thunderstorm activity and isolated rainfall. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain high in several regions until at least June 12. Temperatures in Vidarbha and Khandesh may cross the 40 degrees Celsius mark, while Marathwada is expected to record temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.
The advisory urged farmers to closely monitor weather forecasts and wait for sustained and widespread rainfall before beginning sowing operations to avoid potential crop losses. It also cautioned citizens to exercise care during thunderstorms and lightning, advising them not to take shelter under trees, tin sheds, or near electrical transformers, poles, and power lines.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the monsoon progresses.
