Maharashtra Weather Alert: Unseasonal Rain and Hailstorms Forecast—Widespread Crop Damage Reported
As Maharashtra continues to battle intense summer heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast unseasonal rainfall across various parts of the state over the next two days. While Vidarbha remains under the grip of high temperatures, regions in Marathwada have seen a slight dip of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, creating favorable conditions for rainfall.
Farmers and residents are on alert as the change in weather patterns has already resulted in crop damage, especially in parts of northern Maharashtra.
What’s Causing the Rain?
According to weather experts, temperatures have dropped in districts such as Jalgaon, Sangli, Satara, and Nashik. While a low-pressure system in the Bay of West Bengal has weakened, another active low-pressure area stretching from Rajasthan to north Vidarbha continues to influence the region’s weather.
Increased evaporation due to persistent heat has further contributed to cloud formation, prompting the IMD to predict sporadic unseasonal showers and hailstorms over the next 48 hours.
Impact on Agriculture: Widespread Crop Loss
The unexpected rains have brought devastating consequences for farmers in northern Maharashtra, where agricultural communities are reeling from hailstorms and heavy downpours.
In Nashik district, a two-day spell of hailstorms has severely damaged onion, grape, and wheat crops.
Jalgaon district, particularly Chopda taluka, experienced similar hail activity. Farmers reported that harvested maize was washed away, and fields of wheat, banana, and gram also suffered major losses.
Parts of Ahilyanagar district have also reported crop destruction, adding to concerns over food supply and farmer livelihoods.
What’s Next?
The IMD advises citizens and farmers to stay alert for weather updates and take necessary precautions. Agricultural officers in affected regions are conducting surveys to assess the extent of the damage and determine potential relief measures.
With the Kharif season preparations just around the corner, authorities emphasize the need for adaptive strategies to counter increasing climate unpredictability across the state.