Mumbai, March 30, 2026: After days of intense heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a statewide alert for rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across Maharashtra over the next five days, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Orange Alert Issued for Multiple Districts
The IMD has placed several districts under an orange alert, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h. The districts likely to be impacted include:
- Pune
- Nashik
- Jalgaon
- Solapur
- Ahilyanagar
- Marathwada
The sudden shift in weather patterns is expected to bring relief from the prevailing heat but may also lead to localized disruptions.
Advisory Issued for Farmers
In view of the changing weather conditions, the state government has issued a precautionary advisory for farmers. They have been urged to:
- Safeguard harvested crops from rain, hail, and strong winds
- Ensure proper storage and covering of produce
- Take preventive measures to minimize crop damage during storms
Public Safety Guidelines During Storms
Authorities have also issued safety guidelines for citizens, advising them to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning activity. Key precautions include:
- Avoid standing under trees, tin sheds, or temporary structures
- Stay away from electric poles, transformers, and power lines
- Remain indoors during lightning and strong winds whenever possible
Relief from Heatwave but Risk of Severe Weather
While the forecasted rainfall is likely to bring respite from the recent heatwave across Maharashtra, officials have cautioned residents to remain alert due to the risk of thunderstorms and lightning.
