"Likelihood of monsoon rains across Maharashtra remains low till June 15": CM Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai, June 7
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that the likelihood of monsoon rains across the state remains low at least until June 15, while urging farmers not to rush into sowing based on the current spell of rainfall.
Sharing a weather update issued by the state government, Fadnavis stated that although the southwest monsoon has entered the South Konkan region and moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9, the overall intensity of rainfall and the pace of monsoon advancement across Maharashtra are likely to decrease over the coming days.
Explaining the prevailing weather situation, the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office stated, "Likelihood of monsoon rains across the state remains low at least until June 15. However, according to the current weather forecast, the overall intensity of rainfall in the state, as well as the pace of the monsoon's progress, is likely to decrease at least until June 15. As a result, the possibility of satisfactory rainfall across the state during this period is low."
The state government also issued an advisory through the Agriculture and Disaster Management Department, urging farmers and citizens to remain cautious amid changing weather conditions.
"The Agriculture and Disaster Management Department is issuing the following appeal to farmers and citizens: -Do not rush into sowing depending on the upcoming stormy rains. Avoid taking shelter under trees, under tin sheds, or near electric transformers, electric poles, and power lines during lightning and thunder," the advisory stated.
Regarding rainfall prospects in different regions, the Maharashtra CMO noted, "According to the current weather forecast, at least until June 15, there is a possibility of afternoon clouds, scattered thunderstorms with gusty winds, and rain in parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and Central Maharashtra. However, the situation does not yet appear conducive for this rainfall to benefit sowing over a wide area."
The government further said, "Meanwhile, it is likely that the maximum temperatures in many parts of the state will remain high as at present until at least June 12. The maximum temperature is expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Vidarbha and Khandesh, while in Marathwada it is forecasted to be between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius."
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further advancement of the southwest monsoon over several parts of the country in the coming days and has predicted widespread rainfall activity and issued alerts for thunderstorms, heavy to very heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple regions during the week ahead.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's interesting to see the contrast between IMD's widespread rainfall forecast and the state government's cautious stance for Maharashtra. Hope the monsoon picks up properly by mid-June. Farmers in Marathwada especially need this rain badly after last year's drought-like conditions. 🤞
The government is doing the right thing by releasing this detailed weather update. Farmers need scientific advice, not just hope. But I wish the advisory also mentioned compensation for crop losses in previous years. Many small farmers in Vidarbha are still recovering from unseasonal rains last season. This is good, but more structural support is needed.
As someone living in Mumbai, I'm relieved the rain is delayed. We had terrible waterlogging last June! But I feel for the farmers in Konkan and Vidarbha who depend on timely rains. The scattered thunderstorm pattern sounds tricky - baarish aayegi bhi aur nahi bhi. Let's hope for the best! ☔
Important advisory about not taking shelter under trees during lightning - many farmworkers don't have proper shelters in fields. The government should also ensure that electricity poles and transformers are properly maintained to avoid accidents during storms. Prevention is better than cure. Good that Fadnavis is sharing this data proactively.
Climate change is making monsoon patterns so unpredictable. I remember when June 1 was the standard arrival date in Mumbai. Now we're talking about June 15 as uncertain. The 40°C in Vidarbha is brutal. Farmers need both short-term advisories and long-term climate adaptation strategies from the government
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