Unseasonal Rains and Thunderstorms Lash Pune and Many Parts of Maharashtra; Many Districts on Orange and Yellow Alerts
Pune, April 2, 2025 – Several parts of Pune, including Bavdhan, Sinhgad Road, Hinjawadi, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, witnessed unseasonal light to moderate rainfall on April 1, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted this spell due to an active weather system over Maharashtra, which has also affected regions like Satara, Kolhapur, and Solapur.
A persistent trough extending from south Chhattisgarh to a cyclonic circulation over Central Maharashtra, along with another north-south trough, has been influencing the weather. SD Sanap, a senior meteorologist at IMD Pune, explained, “Multiple weather systems, including a cyclonic circulation over Central Maharashtra, are triggering rainfall in central and southern parts of the state. A yellow alert was issued for April 2, and the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase.”
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Maharashtra
In a significant update, the IMD has now placed most of Maharashtra under either an orange or yellow alert for the next two to three days. Pune is currently under an orange alert for April 2, followed by a yellow alert for April 3 and 4. The forecast warns of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h at isolated places.
IMD Alert Levels for Various Districts in Maharashtra
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Orange and Yellow Alerts across various districts in Maharashtra due to unseasonal rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. The alert levels are as follows:
🟠 Orange Alert (Heavy Rainfall, Thunderstorms, Lightning & Gusty Winds 30-40 km/h)
- Districts: Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, Aurangabad, Beed
🟡 Yellow Alert (Moderate Rainfall, Thunderstorms, and Lightning Possible)
- Districts: Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Latur, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded
Residents are advised to stay alert, follow official weather updates, and take necessary precautions against strong winds, lightning, and localized heavy rainfall.
Widespread Rain Across Maharashtra
Beyond Pune, several other parts of Maharashtra have experienced unseasonal showers:
- Satara and Karad: Intermittent rain with thunder and lightning late at night.
- Solapur and Pandharpur: Heavy showers led to waterlogging in some areas.
- Ratnagiri: Unseasonal rain has created further distress for mango growers, who are already facing lower yields. The unexpected showers could damage the remaining fruit still on the trees.
- Mumbai: Some areas, including Bandra, witnessed light rainfall.
- Nashik: Farmers are concerned about crop damage due to the cloudy weather and increased risk of pest infestations on onions, pomegranates, and other fruit crops.
Residents Advised to Stay Alert
With thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds expected, citizens across Maharashtra are urged to stay updated with IMD alerts. The unexpected rain has provided relief from the summer heat but poses challenges for farmers and urban infrastructure alike.
