Thunderstorm likely in parts of Maharashtra, no rain in sight for city yet

Pune: Parts of Maharashtra, particularly south Madhya Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada, are likely to receive light rain or thundershowers over the next two days because of moisture incursion and a developing circulation system, but the city is still not on the list.The latest district-wise forecast of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai, has predicted thunderstorms accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds of 30–50kmph at isolated places in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Nanded, Beed and Parbhani districts on Thursday. Some ghat areas of south Maharashtra are also likely to experience thunderstorm activity, while parts of north Maharashtra may see light rain or thundershowers.Pune city has not been included in the thunderstorm warning so far. An IMD scientist said, "We have not issued any thunderstorm forecast for Pune city. In the Regional Meteorological Centre forecast, some districts of south Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada have been mentioned."Explaining the reason for the weather activity in other parts of the state, the scientist said the current conditions developed because of moisture incursion from the southern side, along with a circulation system. "Moisture is coming in mainly from the south, and a circulation is present. A trough extends from Marathwada to south interior Karnataka, which is why thunderstorm activity has been forecast in some districts. On Tuesday also, some parts of southern Madhya Maharashtra reported thunderstorm and light rainfall, but the intensity was not very high," he said.According to the forecast, parts of Pune district may receive light rain or thundershowers at isolated places on Thursday, but no specific warning has been issued for the city. Conditions are expected to remain mostly dry thereafter. IMD officials said the forecast might be updated if weather conditions changed.