Pune:Rain and thunderstorm activities are likely across several regions in Maharashtra from Monday, ushering in a change in weather after a prolonged dry spell through most of March.The state is likely to see a transition in the weather pattern next week, driven by developing weather systems over central and southern parts of the country. “A trough is likely to extend from northeast Madhya Pradesh towards Marathwada, while another may form from coastal Karnataka to south Madhya Maharashtra. These systems will draw moisture and create favourable conditions for thundershowers,” said G P Sharma, the president of Skymet Weather.He said Maharashtra had been facing a severe rainfall deficit, raising concerns over agriculture and water availability. The state recorded a rainfall shortfall of nearly 72% from March 1 to 28, reflecting widespread dryness. Dry and warm conditions are expected to persist for a day, with largely clear skies dominating until Sunday.Isolated light rain is likely over parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra from Monday, while Konkan and Goa may initially remain mostly dry. Rain activity is expected to gradually intensify from March 31 and may continue till April 2 or 3, with scattered to fairly widespread rain and thundershowers across the state.Rainfall is expected in Konkan districts such as Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri and Raigad, along with hilly regions including Mahabaleshwar, during this phase. The spell is likely to bring down rising temperatures and improve overall weather conditions.By early April, the rainfall deficit across Maharashtra is expected to reduce significantly. “This spell will provide the much-needed relief, especially for farmers, as improved soil moisture and water availability will support agricultural activities,” Sharma said.According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds is likely across several districts from Monday. IMD scientist S D Sanap said favourable conditions were developing because of moisture incursion and strengthening upper-level systems, which would support pre-monsoon activity.The IMD also indicated the possibility of hailstorms at isolated places in many districts, along with thunderstorms and rain. Sanap said such pre-monsoon activity was typically localised and uneven. Some areas might receive rainfall, while nearby locations could remain dry, he said.According to the IMD’s district-wise forecast, coastal districts Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are likely to get light to moderate rain and thunderstorms from Monday. More intense activities, including lightning and gusty winds of 30–40kmph, are expected between March 31 and April 1.Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds of up to 40–50kmph have been forecast for interior regions, including Nashik, Ahilyanagar and Pune, from March 30 onwards. In Pune district, a yellow alert has been issued. Some districts may see hail at isolated places, while ghat areas are likely to experience similar conditions with higher wind speeds.
