Yellow alert in 29 districts of Maharashtra amid prolonged dry spell

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Maharashtra is at present witnessing a 17% rainfall deficit as it has recorded 787.2 mm rainfall against a normal rainfall of 953.2 mm. Representational file image | Photo Credit: PTI

As several parts of Maharashtra are facing a prolonged dry spell, with the government taking measures to tackle a drought-like situation, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Konkan, while issuing a yellow alert in Marathwada regions like Beed, Hingoli, Latur and others. 

The yellow alert has been given in 39 districts, including the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. A yellow alert was announced on September 23 for Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, Nashik, Latur, Ratnagiri, and Satara, while an orange alert whas been issued for September 24 for Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal. For September 25, an orange alert has been issued for Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara. 

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is expected in Latur, Dharashiv, Yavatmal, Nanded, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Gadchiroli and Gondia districts. Thunderstorms and rain are also forecast in Kolhapur, Sangli, Pune, Nashik, Satara, Solapur and Ahilyanagar districts.

IMD has forecasted “fairly widespread to widespread rainfall” over Konkan & Goa and Marathwada during September 23 and “isolated to scattered rainfall likely over Konkan & Goa and Marathwada from September 24 to 28, and Madhya Maharashtra from September 23-28. Strong Surface Winds likely over Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada during September 24-25, and thunderstorms to be reported at isolated places over North Konkan and North Madhya Maharashtra.”

The Southwest monsoon is expected to withdraw from October 5. Maharashtra is at present witnessing a 17% rainfall deficit as it has recorded 787.2 mm rainfall against a normal rainfall of 953.2 mm. Several dams in the State have run dry, while farmers suffer crop loss due to the dry spell. The deficient rainfall in the State is being attributed to El Niño. Rainfall remained deficient in August and September. 

A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal and to intensify into a deep depression over the next 12 hours; wind speeds are likely to reach 75 kmph. 

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