MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that widespread monsoon rainfall across the state is unlikely before June 15 and advised farmers against rushing into sowing activities based on the current spell of rain.Sharing a weather update issued by the state government, Fadnavis said that while the southwest monsoon has entered the South Konkan region and moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9, both the intensity of rainfall and the pace of the monsoon’s progress across Maharashtra are expected to slow in 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 departments, urging farmers and the public to remain vigilant 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 across several parts of the country in the coming days. The weather agency has also predicted widespread rainfall activity and issued alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple regions over the week ahead.(With agency inputs)
