Thunderstorm, Lightning Forecast in Madhya Maharashtra; Orange Alert Issued

In line with the forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms, the regional met centre has issued an orange alert for many districts across Madhya Maharashtra for this week. The orange alert is in place at Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nasik, Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Sholapur and Aurangabad districts up to Friday.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning is forecast in these regions. Gusty winds are possible during the forecast period, and heavy rains are also forecast at isolated places. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues an orange alert to notify the authorities to be prepared for the weather disturbances.

The risk of intense lightning is high in the areas under alert. Lightning is the deadliest natural calamity in India, killing more people than even floods and cyclone. The Mid Monsoon Lightning Report 2019 shows that at least 1311 people died in just four months from April to July this year. More than 70% of the deaths were due to standing under a tree during thunderstorms. Taking the shelter of a concrete building is said to be the safest way during lightning activity.

Madhya Maharashtra received excess rainfall of 1167 mm during the monsoon season from June to September— 55% more than normal. In the first seven days of October also, Madhya Maharashtra subdivision has received 21% excess rainfall. On Friday, Pune received a spell of intense rainfall with some parts of the city recording over 60 mm rainfall within few hours.

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