Rough Weather Ahead: IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Alerts Across Maharashtra – Check District Wise Forecast
Mumbai, April 1, 2026: Large parts of Maharashtra are set to witness intense weather activity over the next few days after the India Meteorological Department issued an Orange Alert for several districts across the state.
The warning has been issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre Mumbai, which has forecast severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph, and hail at isolated places. The weather system is expected to affect nearly every region of Maharashtra, with the strongest activity likely across interior districts, Marathwada, and parts of Vidarbha.
Meteorologists say the system represents a widespread pre-monsoon disturbance that will impact multiple divisions of the state before gradually weakening later in the week.
Konkan Division
The Konkan region is expected to experience relatively milder weather compared to the interior districts, though thunderstorms and gusty winds remain likely.
Districts including Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are expected to witness light to moderate rain or thundershowers along with occasional gusty winds between 30 and 50 kmph.
While these districts are largely under Yellow Alert conditions indicating moderate thunderstorm activity, Mumbai and Palghar may experience only light rain or brief thundershowers with no major warning issued at present.
Pune Division
Several districts in western Maharashtra fall under Orange Alert due to the possibility of severe thunderstorms and strong winds.
Districts including Pune, Satara, Sangli and Sholapur may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, winds reaching 50–60 kmph, and isolated hail events.
The Ghats region of Kolhapur may see thunderstorms with comparatively lower wind intensity, typically between 30–50 kmph.
Weather activity across the division is expected to gradually reduce toward the end of the forecast period, though intermittent thunderstorms may still occur.
Nashik Division
The Nashik division is among the regions likely to experience intense thunderstorm activity.
Districts including Nashik, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule and Nandurbar are under Orange Alert for severe thunderstorms with lightning and winds reaching 50–60 kmph.
Moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds between 40–50 kmph is also likely across parts of the division, raising the possibility of localized damage to crops and weak structures.
Marathwada Division
The Marathwada region is expected to remain one of the most affected areas during this weather event.
Districts including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli and Nanded are under Orange Alert for thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching up to 50–60 kmph and the possibility of moderate rainfall.
Other districts including Beed, Latur and Dharashiv are also expected to experience significant thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds.
Even as the overall weather system weakens elsewhere in the state later in the week, Marathwada is likely to remain under continued thunderstorm activity for a longer period.
Vidarbha Division
Thunderstorm activity is also expected to intensify across several districts in Vidarbha.
Districts including Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur and Yavatmal are under Orange Alert with warnings of strong winds up to 60 kmph and isolated hailstorms.
Other districts such as Akola, Amaravati, Buldhana and Washim may witness thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall and gusty winds under Yellow Alert conditions.
Meteorologists note that hail events of this intensity are relatively uncommon in parts of eastern Vidarbha during the pre-monsoon period, making this system particularly noteworthy.
Advisory for Farmers Across Maharashtra
Alongside the weather alert, the IMD has issued agrometeorological advisories warning of potential damage to crops due to unseasonal rain, hail, and strong winds.
Farmers are advised to harvest matured crops immediately and move harvested produce to covered storage areas. Crops awaiting threshing should be protected with tarpaulins or other coverings.
Young fruit plants and vegetable crops should be supported to prevent wind damage. Farmers have also been advised to suspend irrigation and chemical spraying operations during the storm period and ensure proper drainage in fields to avoid waterlogging.
Livestock should be moved to covered shelters and kept indoors during thunderstorms and lightning activity.
Public Safety Advisory
The IMD has warned that cloud-to-ground lightning during thunderstorms poses a serious risk to people working outdoors, particularly in open fields.
Strong winds may also damage weak trees, temporary structures, kutcha houses, and boundary walls. Localised disruptions to electricity supply are also possible in affected districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, stay away from water bodies, and not take shelter under tall trees. Electrical and electronic appliances should be unplugged during lightning activity to prevent damage.
Authorities have urged citizens to keep track of the latest weather updates and advisories as the situation evolves.
