The southwest monsoon has gained momentum across most parts of Maharashtra over the past two days, bringing relief to several regions that had been experiencing a sluggish start to the season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days, particularly across Pune and its surrounding ghat areas, which remain under a yellow alert.
As of July 25, Maharashtra has recorded a cumulative rainfall of 504.1 mm since June 1, slightly above the season’s normal average of 476.9 mm. IMD data shows a marked variability in rainfall distribution across the state’s districts.
Eight districts — including Pune, Kolhapur, Palghar, Nashik, Gadchiroli, Nagpur, and Bhandara — have received what the IMD classifies as “large excess” rainfall, defined as over 20 per cent more than average. Conversely, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Beed, Jalna, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, and Hingoli have reported “large deficit” rainfall — more than 20 percent below normal. Twenty districts are currently categorized as having “normal” rainfall levels.
In regional terms, Madhya Maharashtra, which includes Pune, received the highest rainfall during the week beginning June 25. Marathwada has largely remained in deficit through the season, with the exception of the current week beginning July 24, when it saw its first significant uptick in precipitation. Vidarbha has also experienced mostly deficit rainfall, except during the weeks beginning July 2 and July 9.
At present, monsoon rainfall remains active across much of the state. Anupam Kashyapi, former head of the IMD’s weather forecasting division, said that while overall rainfall activity is expected to decrease starting Sunday afternoon, conditions will remain wet in specific regions due to atmospheric factors.
“The Depression likely to move away, westward via Madhya Pradesh, so rain activity in state likely to reduce,” Kashyapi said in a statement. “Though due to strong westerlies from Arabian Sea and upper air cyclonic circulation over south Gujarat, widespread rain with isolated heavy/very heavy rain likely to continue in Konkan (even in Mumbai), ghats of Madhya Maharashtra (including Pune ghats).”
He added that for Pune city, rainfall is expected to taper off by the afternoon of July 27. “A few moderate spells likely with almost overcast condition,” he said.
