PUNE: Maharashtra is likely to witness a relatively milder summer this year, with maximum temperatures expected to remain normal to below-normal ranges across large parts of the state from April to June, the IMD stated in its latest outlook on Tuesday.The forecast indicates that regions such as Vidarbha, north Maharashtra and Marathwada have a higher probability of recording below-normal daytime temperatures throughout the season. Parts of western Maharashtra and southern Marathwada are expected to remain closer to normal.IMD scientist S D Sanap said the outlook suggests a clear tilt towards cooler daytime conditions for most of the state. “Most parts of Maharashtra, especially Vidarbha, north Maharashtra and Marathwada, show higher probability for below-normal maximum temperatures. Some western and southern parts are likely to remain near normal,” he said.The April outlook also aligns with this trend, though isolated pockets around Madhya Maharashtra may still see above-normal temperatures. The broader signal, however, remains of subdued daytime heating compared to typical summer conditions.Though days may be less harsh, nights are likely to be warmer than usual across much of the country, including most of Maharashtra, with normal to above-normal minimum temperatures during April to June this year.The key driver behind this pattern appears to be increased pre-monsoon activity, the outlook stated. The rainfall outlook for April suggests normal to above-normal precipitation over most parts of India, including Maharashtra. Sanap said higher rainfall probability could translate into more cloud cover.“Clouding will be more owing to higher rainfall probability. As a result, maximum temperatures may remain below normal during the day. Minimum temperatures show higher probabilities of being above normal in parts of Maharashtra,” he said.This also points to a higher likelihood of pre-monsoon showers in April over the state, which could bring intermittent relief from heat.As for heatwaves, the seasonal outlook does not suggest an extreme escalation for Maharashtra. While parts of central and northwest India are expected to see above-normal heatwave days, Maharashtra is largely outside the core high-risk zone. Only isolated pockets in the state may experience slightly above-normal heatwave days in April.Even over the full April-June period, the projection suggests limited heatwave duration — typically a handful of days within the three-month window rather than prolonged spells. “Out of around 90 days, there may be seven to eight heatwave days in some regions, but not continuously,” Sanap said, adding that seasonal forecasts also carry some uncertainty.
