02 April,2026 12:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for large parts of Maharashtra over April 2 and 3, warning of potentially severe weather conditions across multiple regions. While several districts are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, Mumbai has been excluded from the current alert.
On Thursday, the IMD has placed multiple districts under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of severe weather conditions that may disrupt normal life. These districts include Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Beed, Jalna, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions against thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
In addition to the orange alert zones, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for a wider region, including the entire Vidarbha belt, parts of western Maharashtra and the Konkan region. However, Palghar, Mumbai, Sindhudurg and Kolhapur have not been included in this warning category. A yellow alert indicates that residents should stay alert and monitor weather updates, as conditions may change rapidly.
The thunderstorm activity is expected to persist on Friday, with Parbhani and Hingoli placed under an orange alert. Several other districts, including Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, Beed and Jalna, will continue to remain under the same warning level, suggesting ongoing risks of adverse weather.
Meanwhile, Dhule, Nashik, Pune and Solapur, along with multiple districts in Marathwada and Vidarbha, have been issued a yellow alert for Friday. The IMD has indicated that these areas may experience moderate weather disturbances, including thunderstorms and lightning.
The IMD uses a colour-coded warning system to communicate the severity of weather conditions. A green alert signifies no immediate threat, while a yellow alert advises people to stay aware of potential developments. An orange alert calls for preparedness due to possible significant impact, and a red alert indicates the need for immediate action in the face of severe weather.
Authorities have urged residents in affected districts to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open areas, and stay updated with official weather advisories. Farmers, commuters and those engaged in outdoor activities have been particularly advised to exercise caution during this period of unstable weather.
With pre-monsoon activity intensifying across the state, the IMD continues to closely monitor the situation and may update alerts depending on evolving weather patterns.
