🌧️ IMD Sounds Orange Alert as Pune Faces Heavy Rains
Pune woke up to relentless rainfall today as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the city and nearby ghat regions. Showers are expected to intensify through the day, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, especially in parts of western Maharashtra.
A well-marked low-pressure system over the east-central Arabian Sea is driving this change. Moisture-laden winds continue to sweep across the Konkan coast and western Maharashtra, strengthening the monsoon flow.
Wind speeds may touch 40–50 km/h, especially near elevated regions and coastlines.
📍 Regions Under Watch
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Mumbai, the following areas face heightened risk:
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Pune (including ghat zones)
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Palghar, Raigad, Thane, and Ratnagiri (orange alert)
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North Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Nagpur, and Chandrapur (yellow alert)
In Pune and Satara, officials have advised caution due to landslide risks in hilly zones and urban flooding in low-lying areas.
⚠️ What Does the Orange Alert Mean?
An orange alert calls for preparedness. It suggests that citizens should:
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Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during peak rainfall hours
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Stay away from ghats and water-logged zones
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Watch out for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds
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Prepare for possible school closures and traffic disruptions
☔ How Much Rain to Expect?
Rainfall may exceed 70 mm in certain areas in short bursts. IMD has warned about:
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Brief but intense showers
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Poor road visibility during early morning and late evening
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Slippery roads and traffic snarls
From Friday, rainfall might ease in some parts, though scattered heavy showers could continue into the weekend.
🛑 What Should Residents Do?
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Keep emergency kits ready
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Avoid traveling on hilly roads during heavy downpours
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Charge phones and power banks
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Stay updated through official IMD bulletins and local authorities