Maharashtra Weather Alert: IMD Issues Red Alert For Konkan, Orange Alert For Pune Amid Heavy Rains

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts across Maharashtra as the southwest monsoon gathers strength. The warnings are in effect for the next 24 hours, particularly impacting coastal areas and the western regions of the state.

Red Alert for Konkan: Raigad, Ratnagiri in Focus

A red alert has been sounded for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts on June 14, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along the Konkan coast. This intense weather could lead to flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. The red alert will transition into an orange alert from June 15 to June 17 for these same coastal zones, indicating continued but slightly moderated rainfall intensity.

Orange Alerts for Mumbai, Pune, Ghats and Other Regions

In addition to the Konkan belt, several other districts-Mumbai, Pune, Palghar, and the ghats of Satara and Kolhapur-are under orange alert for June 14, warning of substantial rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, central and northern Maharashtra remain under yellow alert, with forecasts indicating moderate rainfall on June 14, followed by a dry spell starting June 15. In Vidarbha, scattered light to moderate showers are expected through June 17, with a yellow alert in place.

The IMD has urged residents in high-alert areas to strictly follow instructions from local authorities, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from flood-prone zones. Fishermen along the Konkan coast have been advised not to venture into the sea due to strong winds and rough waters.

Monsoon Advances Amid Cyclonic Systems

According to the IMD's June 13 bulletin, favorable atmospheric conditions are supporting further advancement of the southwest monsoon across Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha over the next two days. The current northern limit of the monsoon (NLM) passes through Mumbai, Ahilya Nagar, Adilabad, Bhawanipatna, Puri, and Balurghat.

Weather systems contributing to the rainfall include an upper air cyclonic circulation over northwest Rajasthan and a trough extending from this system through Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Marathwada. Another trough running from the west-central Arabian Sea to coastal Odisha is also intensifying monsoon activity.

Pune Weather Update: Orange Alert Issued, More Rain Expected

Pune city has experienced a noticeable surge in rainfall since June 12, with heavy showers continuing into the night of June 13. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Pune and nearby ghats for June 14, citing expectations of heavy downpours.

Between 6 pm on June 12 and 8:30 am on June 13, Pune recorded 26 mm of rainfall, with Chinchwad reporting the highest at 47 mm. Rainfall resumed on June 13 evening and is expected to intensify through June 14. The alert will be downgraded to yellow on June 15 and is likely to return to orange on June 16 and 17.

Senior meteorologist S.D. Sanap from IMD Pune stated that widespread showers will persist, and the city is expected to remain largely cloudy through June 17.

Rainfall Intensity Across Pune: Shivajinagar Records Highest

By 8:30 pm on June 13, heavy rainfall had lashed many parts of Pune, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Shivajinagar recorded 55 mm of rainfall, followed by Chinchwad (47.5 mm), Lohegaon (45 mm), and Magarpatta (40.5 mm). Lavale (38.5 mm) and NDA (10.5 mm) also saw considerable rain. Koregaon Park, however, registered only 0.5 mm.

Waterlogging was reported at Jangali Maharaj Road, the new municipal corporation building, and below the newly constructed bridge near Bal Gandharva Chowk. In Kothrud, areas like City Pride, Alankar police chowky, and Paud Road saw significant flooding. Other affected zones included Narpatgiri Chowk, Rasta Peth, Yerawada, Viman Nagar, Katraj, Sinhagad Road, and Hadapsar.

Relative humidity levels reached 100% in localities such as Chinchwad, Magarpatta, and NDA, indicating saturated atmospheric conditions that worsened the impact of the rains.