IMD issues red alert for Raigad and Ratnagiri, predicts heavy rains on May 23

Heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) at isolated places was very likely on May 23, the IMD said. Representational Pic/File

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a 'red alert' for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts in Maharashtra, predicting heavy rains on May 23.

The weather department issued an 'orange alert' for several districts in the state for the next few days and predicted extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall.

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A red alert forecasts the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall.

An orange alert was issued by the IMD for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Sindhudurg as well as ghats of Pune and Satara on May 23, predicting heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) at isolated places was very likely on May 23", the IMD said.

According to the weather department, a low-pressure system over east-central Arabian Sea off the coast of south Konkan and Goa.

It is likely to intensify and bring intense showers across Konkan and other parts of Maharashtra, the IMD has predicted.

The Mumbai Regional Meteorological Centre official Shubhangi Bhute said, "The low-pressure area will further intensify within 36 hours and move northwards."

IMD Mumbai officials had earlier stated that rainfall intensity in Mumbai and nearby regions, including south Konkan and south-central Maharashtra, is expected to increase between May 21 and 24.

Following the weather alert, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had on Tuesday urged the fishermen to stay alert sighting IMD's rough weather warning for the next four days.

In a post on X, CM Fadnavis wrote, "The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a possible low-pressure area forming over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Maharashtra and Goa coasts starting 21 May. It may intensify and move northward by 24 May, leading to rough sea conditions, especially near the western coastline."

He stated that while it is not expected to directly threaten the Maharashtra coast, strong winds and rough seas are likely to impact areas near Raigad, Ratnagiri, Mumbai, and Palghar districts in Maharashtra between May 22 and May 24.

Meanwhile, parts of Mumbai continued to witness light rains on Thursday evening. The city has also experienced showers on Tuesday and Wednesday night.