The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical weather update for Pune and surrounding regions as the southwest monsoon arrives earlier than expected. With the onset of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, residents are advised to stay vigilant, particularly over the next 72 hours.
Alert Issued for Maharashtra and South India
The IMD has released alerts for various regions across Maharashtra and South India. A red alert, indicating a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall, is in effect for Sindhudurg and Kolhapur for the next 48 hours. Orange alerts, suggesting substantial rainfall, have been issued for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Satara, and Thane until June 11. A yellow alert, signifying moderate rain, is in place for other districts during the same period.
Early Monsoon Arrival
The southwest monsoon reached Mumbai on June 9, two days ahead of the typical schedule, which usually sees the monsoon starting around June 11. Last year, the monsoon was delayed until June 24 due to Cyclone Biparjoy. This early arrival brings a forecast of heavy rains across Maharashtra and South India.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
Mumbai, Raigad, and Ratnagiri are bracing for significant rainfall, with the IMD predicting a 51 to 75 percent chance of thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain. In Pune, residents can expect similar weather conditions, with forecasts indicating heavy rain and thunderstorms. The IMD has also forecast substantial rainfall for most districts in Maharashtra, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha.
Coastal Areas and Other States
Coastal regions in Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are also experiencing heavy rainfall. In Kerala, significant rainfall has been recorded, with Thrissur seeing 11 cm of rain in the last 24 hours, and other regions receiving between 7 to 9 cm.
Coastal Warnings and Precautions
The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has warned of high waves and coastal erosion along Kerala’s coast until 11:30 PM on June 10. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has advised fishermen and coastal residents to exercise extreme caution, recommending evacuations from hazardous areas and ensuring fishing vessels are securely anchored.
“Residents in danger zones should relocate as instructed by local authorities. Ensure boats and other fishing vessels are secure and maintain a safe distance between them to prevent collisions,” stated the DDMA. The public is also advised to avoid the beach and refrain from sea activities during this period.
