Maharashtra Weather: Pune on Orange Alert, Many Districts Brace for Thunderstorms – Monsoon May Come Early This Year

PUNE, May 14: In a promising development for farmers and weather-watchers alike, the Southwest Monsoon 2025 is expected to make an early onset. According to meteorological experts, the monsoon is likely to advance over the Andaman Sea and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by tomorrow, May 15—a full week ahead of its normal schedule. Furthermore, it is likely to set in over Kerala by May 27, five days earlier than the usual date of June 1.

As per current climatological averages, South Maharashtra generally witnesses monsoon onset around June 6, with Pune expected to receive its first showers by June 10 and Mumbai by June 11. The early onset over Kerala typically signals a promising and potentially timely arrival of rains across Maharashtra.

⚠️ Maharashtra Braces for Widespread Weather Activity: District-wise Alerts Issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 4-day district-wise alert highlighting thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and varied rainfall intensities across Maharashtra.

🟧 Orange Alert – High Impact Weather Expected (Thunderstorm + Lightning + Heavy Rainfall + Gusty Winds up to 60 kmph)

Dates of maximum impact: May 15–16

Districts under Orange Alert:

• Pune (including ghats)
• Satara (including ghats)
• Ahilyanagar
• Sangli

These districts are expected to experience severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds up to 60 kmph, especially in the ghat regions. Farmers and outdoor workers should exercise extreme caution. Potential damage to crops, electrical infrastructure, and transport is anticipated. Travelers in Western Ghats must remain vigilant due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.

🟨 Yellow Alert – Moderate Impact Weather (Thunderstorm + Light to Moderate Rain + Winds up to 50 kmph)

Districts under Yellow Alert:

• Konkan & Mumbai Region: Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg
• Western Maharashtra: Nashik (including ghats), Kolhapur (including ghats), Sholapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv
• Central Maharashtra & Vidarbha: Nanded, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Gondia, Yavatmal, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana
• Later in the week (May 17–18): Pune and Ahilyanagar

These areas are likely to see widespread thunderstorm activity with light to moderate rainfall and wind speeds of 40–50 kmph. While not as severe as the Orange Alert districts, hazards such as urban flooding, tree falls, and power cuts remain possible. Citizens are advised to stay updated via IMD bulletins and local administration alerts.

🟩 Green Alert – Mild Weather, Light Showers Possible

Districts under Green Alert:

• Nandurbar
• Dhule
• Jalna
• Parbhani
• Hingoli
• Washim

These regions are forecast to receive light rain or isolated thundershowers, with minimal impact expected. However, lightning safety precautions are still recommended.

🌧️ Monsoon 2025: Early Onset Confirmed in Andaman, Kerala Next

In a significant update, weather models and expert assessments confirm that Southwest Monsoon 2025 will arrive early in parts of the country:

• Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Onset expected by May 15, a full week before the climatological normal.
• Kerala Coast: Onset likely by May 27, five days ahead of the regular June 1 date.

This early monsoon progression bodes well for agriculture and water availability, though it also necessitates heightened readiness for early heavy rainfall events across the west coast.

📅 Expected Normal Monsoon Onset (Maharashtra):

• Extreme Southern Maharashtra: Around June 6
• Pune: June 10
• Mumbai: June 11

With the monsoon advancing ahead of schedule, a similar early onset is possible across Maharashtra. However, a clearer picture will emerge with subsequent IMD updates. All citizens, especially in vulnerable zones, are urged to follow safety advisories and prepare for potential weather-related disruptions.