Convectional rainfall led to unseasonal showers in Feb-end, says Met

Director weather central Sunita Devi said that there was a trough in the easterlies that extends from Konkan and Goa to west Madhya Pradesh across central Maharashtra. “This trough is bringing in moisture from the Bay of Bengal and the upper-level diversions, provided by the sub-tropical westerlies jet-stream, is providing the convectional rainfall activity in this region,’’ she said.

The Met department has said that there will be rains accompanied with hailstorm activity in central Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. “Though not unusual, we have reported similar activity in 2013 till 2015 and with the winters being especially warm this year, pre-monsoon showers with hailstorm activity is expected,’’ said the Met officials.

Meanwhile, Skymet, a private weather forecaster, has stated that rain and hailstorm in the state are likely to be harmful for the crops. The private weather forecaster has stated that a rainy week is in the offing for Maharashtra.

According to Skymet, a few pockets of Vidarbha like Nagpur and Gondia had witnessed some light rain and areas in Wardha and Yeotmal received some hailstorm as well. On Sunday, Nagpur received 17 mm of rain which is good rainfall in winter standards and the same is likely to continue.The rain belt will extend from Vidarbha and spread up to central Maharashtra and Marathwada. Rain will reduce in Vidarbha after 24 hours and will gradually increase in central Maharashtra and Marathwada. In fact, even the coastal areas, including Mumbai, could receive some rainfall between March 1 and 4.

With sudden rain and hailstorm in the state, it is likely to see Aurangabad, Nashik and Pune receive the heaviest showers stated the Skymet forecasters.