Mumbai, Mar 31: A major weather shift is underway in Maharashtra as the India Meteorological Department has issued a five-day alert warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and hail across the state, prompting authorities to roll out safety advisories and preparedness measures.
According to the IMD, the alert, effective from March 30, indicates that Madhya Maharashtra is likely to be the worst affected region, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph accompanied by lightning and hail.
Several districts, including Pune, Nashik, Satara, Sangli, parts of Vidarbha and the entire Marathwada region, have been placed under an orange alert, signalling severe weather conditions. Meanwhile, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts are under a yellow alert. Mumbai is not under any formal alert, though light rain and thundershowers are likely over the next few days.
In response, the state government has issued a comprehensive safety advisory urging citizens to remain cautious. “Citizens should move indoors or to safe places during lightning and avoid standing under trees, near water bodies or iron objects,” the advisory said. It also cautioned against using mobile phones in open spaces during thunderstorms.
As part of administrative measures, authorities have been directed to temporarily halt construction activities and suspend large gatherings and travel plans. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire brigades, have been put on alert, while schools and public buildings may be used as safe shelters. Local bodies have been instructed to disseminate IMD updates at the grassroots level.
Farmers have also been advised to avoid fieldwork during lightning warnings and take necessary steps to protect harvested crops from storms, hail and strong winds.
Despite the adverse weather warnings, Mumbai has witnessed a significant improvement in air quality due to the changing conditions. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 42 on Tuesday, placing it in the “good” category — a sharp improvement from 127 recorded earlier this month.
The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies for Mumbai over the next 48 hours, with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers towards evening or night. Temperatures are expected to hover around 34 degrees Celsius during the day and 25 degrees Celsius at night, with high humidity levels.
Officials said the current weather pattern marks a transition from recent heatwave conditions to a more unstable atmosphere, bringing both relief in terms of cooler temperatures and challenges in the form of potential crop damage and safety risks.
Authorities have urged residents to stay updated with official advisories and take necessary precautions as the state braces for the next few days of volatile weather.
