Weather update: IMD warns of heavy to extremely heavy rain in Thane on May 23; Orange alert issued

Thane to experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning. File Pic/Ashish Raje

According to the recent weather report from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) , orange alert has been declared in Thane on May 23. Thane to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of around 50- 60 kmph at isolated places.

While the Mumbai Metropolitan region continues to be on yellow alert until May 24. This region is set to experience thunderstorms followed by lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds at a speed of 40 to 50 km/hr in isolated regions.

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According to a recent update by IMD a cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over the Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast around May 21.

Talking about the same Shubhangi Bhute, IMD Mumbai, said, "A cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over the Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast around May 21. In next 24 hours the impact of these winds is likely to increase. This cyclonic wind is likely to influence weather patterns across Maharashtra. During this period, heavy rainfall is expected, accompanied by stormy conditions and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h, fishermen are adviced to stay off shore. Residents and commuters are advised to stay updated with official weather alerts and take necessary precautions."

A low pressure area is likely to form around May 22, over the east- central Arabian Sea near Karnataka coast. As a result, rainfall activity across Maharashtra is expected to increase between May 19 and 25, particularly affecting Konkan and the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra. IMD has also issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations, with the possibility of extremely heavy downpours in several parts of South Konkan and central Maharashtra. Districts likely to be affected include Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nashik, Pune, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Satara, Solapur, Sambhajinagar, Beed, and Dharashiv, with potential for localized flooding, reduced visibility, and disruption in transport and daily activities.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and the ghat regions of Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur over the next three days, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Impact expected:

• Possibility of cloud to ground lightning at isolated places.
• Fall of weak trees or weak structures due to gusty winds. Localized and short-term disruption of power.
• Damage to crops due to unseasonal rainfall. Strong wind/hail may damage plantation, horticulture, and standing crops.
• Minor damage to kutcha houses/walls and huts

Action suggested:

• Avoid working in open areas and fields while thunderstorms are taking place.
• Avoid taking shelter under tall trees and structures when a thunderstorm is occurring.
• Unplug electrical/electronic appliances.
• Immediately get out of water bodies.
• Keep away from all objects that conduct electricity.

Agromet advisory:

• As there is a possibility of thunderstorm activity accompanied by gusty winds (30 to 40 kmph), lightning, and light to
  moderate rainfall, harvesting of matured crops should be done.
• Harvest the matured crops as early as possible and keep them in safe places.
• Provide support to young fruit plants and vegetables to prevent lodging.
• If threshing is not possible, the harvested produce should be covered properly.
• For protection from untimely rains, the stored grains should be shifted to safe storage.
• Avoid irrigation and any kind of chemical spray.
• Make arrangements to drain out excess rainwater from the fields.
• Cattle should be kept in safe places in cattle sheds. Keep farm animals indoors during thunderstorms and lightning

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon continues to advance over the southern Arabian Sea and parts of the Bay of Bengal, with further progress expected over the next few days. The evolving weather system, along with monsoonal advancement, signals the onset of an active rainy phase for Maharashtra.