Low-Pressure System in Bay of Bengal Delays Maharashtra Monsoon Withdrawal
Vidarbha and Marathwada to receive moderate rainfall; farmers advised to protect harvested crops.
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to bring cloudy skies and increased rainfall to parts of Maharashtra from September 26 to 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The southwest monsoon, typically retreating by late September, is now expected to persist in the state until at least October 5, as confirmed by the Maharashtra government’s Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) in a statement posted on X on Thursday.
South Vidarbha and adjacent areas of Marathwada, including districts like Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, and Nanded, are likely to experience moderate rainfall starting this afternoon. Other parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada may see light showers and overcast conditions.
The state agriculture department has urged farmers to adjust their operations to protect harvested crops from rain and gusty winds, which could exacerbate crop damage already affecting 50 lakh hectares of farmland this month. The state has allocated Rs 2,215 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund, with additional funds requested from the central government.
Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused significant flooding, particularly in Marathwada, destroying crops across lakhs of acres and claiming lives. Authorities have warned of rising water levels in dams across south Marathwada, Konkan, and the ghat regions of western Maharashtra, raising concerns about potential flooding in rivers and streams. The State Disaster Management Department has called on residents to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
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The prolonged monsoon and intensified rainfall underscore the challenges faced by Maharashtra, where 31 districts have seen continuous showers this month. As the state braces for more wet weather, officials are prioritizing disaster preparedness and agricultural support to mitigate further losses.
