Maharashtra has witnessed the rejuvenation of the southwest monsoon after a brief hiatus, now covering nearly 92% of the state’s area, with exceptions in parts of Nandurbar district. The monsoon’s arrival this year was marked by an early entry on June 6, preceding its usual schedule by several days.
Early Arrival and Progression
Typically, Maharashtra experiences the onset of monsoon around June 7, reaching statewide coverage by June 15. In contrast, this year’s monsoon commenced from the southern regions on June 6, driven by robust Arabian Sea currents. It progressed steadily, encompassing key districts such as Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri, and advanced to Pune from Baramati by June 8. Despite initial momentum, the monsoon encountered a temporary stall after achieving 65% coverage by June 12.
Factors Behind Delay and Revival
Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting at IMD, attributed the pause in monsoon progression to weakened monsoon currents in both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches. Cyclone Remal affected the Bay of Bengal branch, hampering its activity, while the Arabian Sea branch also saw diminished currents. Recent observations indicate a revival in both branches, particularly the Bay of Bengal, facilitating renewed monsoon advancement across Maharashtra.
Weather Alerts and Forecast
Shilpa Apte, senior meteorologist at IMD Pune, highlighted active wind circulation over Vidarbha and neighboring regions, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall in isolated areas. An orange alert has been issued for Sindhudurg district, anticipating intensified rainfall over the next five days. Central Maharashtra, including Pune, is expected to experience heightened rainfall activity starting from June 23, prompting a yellow alert for precautionary measures.
In Pune specifically, light rainfall is predicted from June 22 to 24, with an anticipated increase in intensity from June 25 onwards, particularly in mountainous regions. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated areas by June 27, prompting a yellow alert for Pune residents to remain vigilant and heed advisory warnings.
