Rainfall to peak in parts of Maharashtra in next 3 days: IMD

PUNE: Rainfall is likely to peak in parts of Maharashtra - including Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra (Pune, Kolhapur, Satara) - during the next three days, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials have told TOI.
Experts said that heavy rainfall is being recorded in isolated parts of Maharashtra for now, but the intensity will increase further.
Anupam Kashyapi, head of the weather forecasting division at IMD, Pune, said, "So far, Pune city has been recording rainfall in single digits in most areas, but moderate spells are also expected till June 26 as conditions are becoming favourable for rainfall intensification in parts of the state."
He said that as per Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, an orange rain warning (indicating heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places) has been issued for districts like Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg for the next two-three days, while a yellow warning has been issued for ghat areas of Pune, Kolhapur and Satara on June 24-26. Thus, heavy rain at isolated places in ghat areas of these districts is also expected during this period.
Kashyapi said that the offshore trough from South Gujarat to Karnataka coast has strengthened, with closely packed isobars visible and a cyclonic circulation and strong westerly winds brining moisture in from the Arabian Sea.
There is also chance of an extended low-pressure area/ line (shear zone) developing in the upper air over Maharashtra soon, all of which may aid rainfall intensification in the state.
An extended range forecast by IMD said on Thursday, "Fairly widespread/ widespread rainfall with thunderstorm/lightning are very likely over Karnataka, Konkan-Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada till June 26."