The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted residents in Western Maharashtra, Khandesh, Marathwada, and Vidarbha about thunderstorm activity and unseasonal rain forecasted from April 20 to April 22. The state government has advised people to stay vigilant as atmospheric conditions are expected to change significantly. Starting April 19, thunderstorm activity is anticipated in various regions, with a peak in intensity and coverage on April 20–21, affecting areas like Pune Division, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Amravati Division.
The weather forecast includes lightning strikes, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms, prompting farmers to take precautions. The Department of Agriculture has issued guidelines for farmers to minimize crop losses, urging them to plan harvesting activities based on weather updates and secure harvested crops properly. Farmers are cautioned against leaving harvested goods in open fields and advised to protect standing crops from potential wind and hail damage.
The sudden weather shift is attributed to “pre-monsoon” activity, a common occurrence during mid-April due to high daytime temperatures creating low-pressure areas. This leads to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds in the afternoon, resulting in intense thunderstorms. The unseasonal rain and hail pose a direct threat to the quality of grains, fruits, and vegetables, especially mangoes and grapes, affecting summer crops nearing harvest in Maharashtra.
