Fresh heavy rain forecast for Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan: weather expert

There is relief in sight for Maharashtra's farmers, who have been troubled by a shortfall in rain over the past few days. Weather expert Panjabrao Dakh says the monsoon in the state is set to become active again, with rain likely to intensify in several parts around September 17.

According to Dakh, a low-pressure belt has formed in the state, which is likely to move from Vidarbha towards Marathwada, North Maharashtra and then Konkan. This is expected to bring rain to several areas. Rain has already begun in Vidarbha since September 11, with light to moderate rain forecast in Chandrapur, Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara and Gondia districts. Good rain is also expected in Akola, Buldhana, Amravati and other districts. In Marathwada, rain may intensify further in Nanded, Hingoli, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed and Latur, and in North Maharashtra in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.

Meanwhile, Nagpur city and surrounding areas saw heavy rain with thunder on Saturday, September 12. The sky was clear till Saturday afternoon, but clouds gathered after 2 pm and rain began within minutes. The rain was heavy in the first few hours, followed by light drizzle through the evening. The night temperature was 2 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 24.2 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has issued a yellow alert for 11 districts of the state. The weather has been changing considerably over the past few days. Light to moderate rain, with heavy spells in some places, is expected in Vidarbha. Many areas have so far not received as much rain as they should have. But the weather department has now forecast a change in weather, with rain showers expected in different parts of the state.