Maharashtra Weather Update: Thunderstorms and Rain in Some Districts, Heatwave in Others – IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 24 Districts
Maharashtra will be witnessing a dramatic weather divide from May 15 onwards for the next 4-5 days. While thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are set to lash western and southern districts, offering much-needed relief from the scorching sun, large parts of eastern Vidarbha will continue to sizzle under severe heatwave conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for 24 districts, warning citizens of intense weather activity on both sides of the spectrum.
Heavy Rain & Gusty Winds in These Districts
The strongest thunderstorm activity will concentrate over Western Maharashtra, South Maharashtra, and parts of Marathwada. According to the latest IMD update, the following districts are likely to experience lightning, moderate rain, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h:
- Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv
- Ghat areas of Pune, Kolhapur, and Satara will also see light to moderate rain with winds of 30–40 km/h.
- Pune city can expect lightning and light to moderate rain accompanied by gusty winds.
In addition, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Beed will experience mixed weather, hot and humid conditions with a possibility of light rain or thundershowers.
Heatwave to Scorch Vidarbha, Parts of Marathwada
While rain brings cheer to the west, there is no relief for Vidarbha. The IMD has issued a Heatwave Yellow Alert for May 15 across:
- Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli – heatwave in isolated pockets
- Akola & Wardha – heatwave along with warm night conditions
- Amravati – heatwave likely
These districts will continue to record temperatures well above normal, with dry and oppressive conditions prevailing through the day.
Mumbai, Thane, Palghar to Remain Hot & Humid
The coastal belt, including Palghar, Thane, and Mumbai, will not see major rain or thunderstorms. Instead, residents can expect hot and humid conditions with no immediate heatwave warning, though discomfort levels will remain high due to rising humidity.
Districts with no major weather warnings on May 15 include Dhule, Nandurbar, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Washim, and Yavatmal – where dry and hot weather will prevail.
Expert Forecast: Anupam Kashyapi on Next 48 Hours
Anupam Kashyapi, Former Head (Scientist G) of the Weather Forecasting Division at IMD Pune, has shared an updated outlook for the next two days:
“Heatwave conditions are likely in Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and also in Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, and Wardha over the next 48 hours. Pune will not experience a heatwave, though high daytime temperatures combined with relative humidity will continue to cause discomfort. Very light to light rain is possible in the afternoon and evening hours over south-central Maharashtra, including Pune, for the next few days.”
What Should You Do?
- If you are in thunderstorm zones (Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, etc.): Stay indoors during lightning, avoid open fields and tall trees, and secure loose objects.
- If you are in heatwave zones (Vidarbha, parts of Marathwada): Stay hydrated, avoid direct sun between 12 PM and 3 PM, and wear light cotton clothing.
- If you are in Mumbai, Thane, or Palghar: Expect humidity-related discomfort; keep cool and drink plenty of water.
Bottom Line
Maharashtra will remain a tale of two extremes on May 15 and thereafter for about a week, thunderstorms and gusty rains in the west and south, versus a relentless heatwave in the east. Keep your umbrellas and water bottles ready, depending on where you are.
