The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a mixed weather forecast for Maharashtra, warning of continued heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada and central Maharashtra, even as thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in select districts later in the week.
The overall rainfall activity across Vidarbha remains negligible, with dry conditions prevailing. Maximum temperatures remain above normal with no significant change observed.
Brahmapuri recorded the highest maximum temperature at 47.2 degrees Celsius, while Bhandara registered the lowest minimum temperature at 25.0 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave grips Vidarbha and central Maharashtra
IMD has warned that several districts may continue to experience heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the forecast period. Interior regions are expected to remain hot and dry, with heat stress likely in isolated pockets.
Nagpur remains under an orange alert till May 27, with heatwave to severe heatwave conditions expected at a few locations.
Wardha and Amravati are under a red alert till May 27, with IMD forecasting heatwave to severe heatwave conditions and warm night conditions in many areas.
Akola is also under an orange alert, with severe heatwave conditions likely at several places, while Yavatmal remains under an orange alert for heatwave today.
Chandrapur is under a red alert till May 26, followed by an orange alert on May 27.
However, IMD has indicated a shift in weather from May 28-29, with chances of thunderstorms and rainfall.
Gadchiroli is under an Orange heatwave alert today, with yellow alerts issued for thunderstorm activity and gusty winds on May 28-29.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely after May 28
IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) in parts of Vidarbha on May 28 and 29.
Districts, including Wardha, are likely to see thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds on May 29.
The districts most affected by the ongoing heatwave include Amravati, Brahmapuri, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur and Wardha.
Isolated rainfall, brief relief expected
While isolated light rainfall may occur in some parts of Maharashtra during evening or night hours, it is unlikely to significantly ease the prevailing heat conditions in interior regions.
IMD has indicated that although heatwave conditions will dominate much of Maharashtra over the next few days, a gradual change in weather is likely thereafter, with falling temperatures and increased pre-monsoon activity bringing partial relief to some regions after May 27.