Mumbai: Maharashtra is unlikely to witness widespread, satisfactory rainfall before June 15 as the intensity of the southwest monsoon and its progress across the state are likely to remain subdued for one more week, the state government said on Sunday.In an advisory issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, through its X handle @CMOMaharashtra, the state government said that based on the latest weather forecast, while monsoon has entered south Konkan and moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9, the overall pace of its advance is expected to slow considerably over the next week.“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. 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,” stated the post.Further, it stated that the agriculture and disaster management department has advised farmers against rushing with sowing operations, and urged citizens not to take shelter under trees and tin sheds, or near electric transformers, electric poles, and power lines during lightning and thunderstorms.Experts said that while Mumbai may see “some thunderstorm chances till June 10, and later a few passing showers”, monsoon onset is likely only by June 15, with main surge expected after June 20. Mumbai’s normal monsoon onset date is June 11.
