Yellow and Orange Alerts Issued in Maharashtra Amid Dry Spell
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several districts in Maharashtra as the state faces a prolonged dry spell. A yellow alert has been announced for 29 districts, including Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, Nashik, Latur, Ratnagiri, and Satara, effective from 23 September
• Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal on 24 September, and for Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara on 25 September. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in these areas. The IMD has also forecast widespread rainfall over Konkan, Goa, and Marathwada from 23 to 28 September, with isolated thunderstorms in North Konkan and North Madhya Maharashtra.
Impact & Risks
The prolonged dry spell has already caused a 17% rainfall deficit in Maharashtra, with recorded rainfall at 787.2 mm compared to the normal 953.2 mm. This has led to water shortages, dry dams, and significant crop losses for farmers. The expected heavy rainfall and strong winds could lead to localised flooding, damage to crops, and disruptions in daily life. The deficient rainfall is being attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, which has also affected rainfall patterns in August and September.
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