The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a bulletin on 16 October 2026 placing multiple districts across Maharashtra under a Yellow Alert, indicating a “WATCH (BE AWARE)” status.

Isolated areas across the state are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph over the next five days.

On Day 1 (16 October 2026), the Yellow Alert covers Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Satara (including the Ghats of Satara), and Sangli.

On Day 2 (17 October 2026), the alert extends to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur (including Ghats), Satara (including Ghats), Sangli, Sholapur, and Dharashiv.

On Day 3 (18 October 2026), rain and thunderstorm activity will impact Raigad, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Sangli, Sholapur, Hingoli, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv, and Gadchiroli.

On Day 4 (19 October 2026), warnings apply to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune (including Ghats), Kolhapur, Satara (including Ghats), Sangli, Sholapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Nagpur.

On Day 5 (20 October 2026), the alert remains in place for Kolhapur, including the Ghats of Kolhapur.

Regionally, South Konkan districts including Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Raigad will see persistent thunderstorm activity from Day 1 to Day 4.

Western Maharashtra forms the primary cluster with frequent alerts affecting Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Sholapur, and Pune.

In Marathwada, Dharashiv, Latur, Beed, Nanded, and Hingoli face warnings between Day 2 and Day 4, while isolated activity expands into Vidarbha districts Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, and Nagpur on Days 3 and 4.

For general safety, people are advised to avoid open fields or standing under tall trees during thunderstorms, stay clear of conductive objects, exit water bodies immediately, and unplug electronic appliances.

Farmers should harvest matured crops early, store produce safely, support young plants, suspend chemical spraying and irrigation, and keep livestock sheltered indoors.