Maharashtra Rains: Jalgaon Hit By Intense Showers

Heavy monsoon activity continued across Maharashtra on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intense rainfall over several parts of the state.

The IMD said a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified rainfall across Konkan, the Western Ghats and parts of Vidarbha. Over the last 24 hours, Maharashtra recorded an average rainfall of 51.09 mm, while the state has received 104.1 per cent of its normal rainfall during June and July.

Jalgaon district has been witnessing incessant rain for the past two days, with the district recording 104 mm rainfall and Jalgaon city receiving 118 mm. Except for Chalisgaon, all 14 talukas have reported heavy rainfall. The rising water levels have pushed the Tapi River into flood, following which all 41 gates of Hatnur Dam have been opened to release water.

Meanwhile, Girna Dam has reached 100 per cent capacity, prompting authorities to open six gates, while the Aner River has witnessed its biggest flood in two years, with all 10 gates of Aner Dam also opened. Several districts, including Jalgaon, Marathwada, Nashik and Ahilyanagar, have witnessed above-normal rainfall, leading to rivers and reservoirs filling up and providing a major boost to Kharif crops.

However, heavy rain has also triggered flooding, accidents and isolated incidents of loss of life, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain alert and follow weather advisories. While Nashik and the Pune ghat regions are under an Orange Alert, Sindhudurg, Satara, Kolhapur, Nandurbar, Wardha and Chandrapur have been placed under a Yellow Alert.

Mumbai woke up to cloudy skies and gusty winds on Saturday morning, with the IMD forecasting generally cloudy skies with moderate rainfall across the city and suburbs during the day. While widespread heavy rain is not expected, isolated areas may receive moderate to heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds.

The maximum temperature is expected to be around 31°C, while the minimum temperature was 28°C. Notably, no rain alert has been issued for Mumbai over the weekend, although intermittent rain is expected to continue.

The heavy rainfall in Maharashtra is expected to have a significant impact on the state's agriculture and water supply. The filling up of rivers and reservoirs will provide a major boost to Kharif crops, which are a crucial part of the state's agricultural economy.

In conclusion, the intense rainfall in Maharashtra, particularly in Jalgaon, has led to flooding and disruptions, but it has also brought much-needed relief to the state's agricultural sector. Residents are advised to remain alert and follow weather advisories to ensure their safety.