Signs of monsoon revival in Maharashtra as Pune and surrounding regions receive rainfall

According to Anupam Kashyapi, head (climate forecast) at IMD, this low-pressure area can signal a revival of the monsoon in the state. This comes as a major relief to farmers worried about the future of their crops.

Since Thursday morning, parts of Pune have been witnessing rain. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Vidarbha and Marathwada, with areas of Vidarbha likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain. Light to moderate rain is expected in other areas of Vidarbha. There are chances of heavy to very heavy rain and thundershowers in some areas of Marathwada. Konkan and central Marathwada, which includes Pune, will see light to moderate rainfall.

The revival of the monsoon comes at a time when most crops, especially in Vidarbha and Marathwada, are in the vegetative growth state and require another spell of rainfall. Even sugarcane, the staple crop of western Maharashtra, has suffered from moisture stress. The rain is expected to help in ensuring normality in the crop.

Overall, August has been exceptionally dry with the state and Pune district reporting large rain deficits. The IMD had predicted that August would see normal rainfall but on the lower side.