IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts in state. Representational Pic
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in Maharashtra, warning of thunderstorms and rain even as large parts of the state continue to reel under above-normal temperatures.
Districts under the orange alert include Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, and Beed, where thundershowers and gusty conditions are likely.
In Mumbai and its suburbs, the IMD has forecast a mainly clear sky, with the possibility of light rain during the early morning hours. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 23 degrees Celsius.
According to the SAMEER App, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 72 on Thursday, indicating satisfactory air quality.
Bandra Kurla Complex - 82
Borivali East - 91
Byculla - 77
Andheri East - 81
Chembur - 75
Colaba - 61
Deonar - 103
Ghatkopar - 100
Despite the rainfall warning, heat and humidity continue to grip Maharashtra, offering little respite to residents. The IMD's latest bulletin shows that interior regions are experiencing a steady rise in temperatures.
Jalgaon (37.7 degrees Celsius), Osmanabad (36.8 degrees Celsius), Parbhani (36.2 degrees Celsius), Beed (36 degrees Celsius), and Malegaon (36 degrees Celsius) recorded some of the highest maximum temperatures, highlighting intensifying heat across Marathwada and North Maharashtra. Night temperatures in these areas ranged between 18 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, providing limited relief.
Ahilyanagar (35.2 degrees Celsius), Aurangabad (34.5 degrees Celsius), and Nashik (34.5 degrees Celsius) also recorded above-normal temperatures, indicating dry and warm weather across the central belt.
Kolhapur (34.7 degrees Celsius) and Satara (35.2 degrees Celsius) experienced warm days, though cooler nights, particularly in Mahabaleshwar (16.6 degrees Celsius), offered some respite.
Coastal regions including Mumbai, Alibag, Ratnagiri, and Dahanu recorded relatively moderate temperatures between 31 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels, reaching up to 88 per cent in Dahanu and over 80 per cent in Mumbai, kept conditions warm and uncomfortable.
The IMD has indicated that while interior Maharashtra will continue to witness rising temperatures, the Konkan coast is likely to remain relatively stable but humid. Residents are advised to take precautions against heat exposure, especially during peak afternoon hours.
