Maharashtra Weather Alert: Heatwave Conditions Persist as Thunderstorms Threaten 10 Districts

Scorching heat along the Konkan coast and fluctuating maximum temperatures across Maharashtra are expected to continue on October 16, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts thunderstorms and rain in several parts of the state. Hot and humid conditions are likely along the Konkan coast, while parts of western Maharashtra, southern Konkan and southern Marathwada may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for several districts.
The IMD has announced that the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from the entire country, while northeasterly monsoon winds, also known as the northeast monsoon, have become active over southern India. A cyclonic circulation has developed over the southeastern Arabian Sea near the Lakshadweep Islands. A low-pressure trough extending from Uttar Pradesh through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra to the east-central Arabian Sea is also active.
Maximum temperatures across Maharashtra continue to fluctuate, with mercury levels consistently exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in several locations. During the 24 hours ending on the morning of Thursday, October 15, Yavatmal recorded the state's highest temperature at 38.4 degrees Celsius.
Ratnagiri recorded a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz registered more than 37 degrees Celsius. Temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius were recorded in Solapur, Amravati and Jalgaon. Meanwhile, Dhule Agricultural College recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 16.6 degrees Celsius.
The weather department expects hot and humid conditions to persist across Maharashtra on Friday, October 16. In the Konkan region, rising heat and humidity are likely in Thane, Mumbai and Raigad districts. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts because of the expected hot and humid weather.
The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur and Dharashiv districts, where thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and rain are possible. Isolated places in Ratnagiri, Pune, Latur and Nanded districts may also receive rainfall accompanied by lightning.
Among the locations experiencing intense heat, Yavatmal recorded 38.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Ratnagiri at 38.1 degrees Celsius and Santacruz at 37.8 degrees Celsius. Solapur recorded 36.9 degrees Celsius, Amravati 36.6 degrees Celsius and Jalgaon 36.3 degrees Celsius.
The yellow alert for hot and humid conditions specifically covers Thane, Mumbai and Raigad. With high temperatures continuing alongside the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in several districts, Maharashtra is expected to experience contrasting weather conditions on October 16.