Hey there, folks! If you’re planning a weekend getaway to the picturesque ghats in Maharashtra, you might want to rethink your plans. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the ghat sections in Pune, Satara, and Raigad districts, warning of heavy rainfall over the weekend.
The IMD’s Shivajinagar observatory in Pune recorded 33.3mm of rain in just 33 hours, indicating a significant increase in rainfall activity in the region. The agency is predicting over 200mm of rain in isolated pockets of the ghat areas within the next 24 hours, urging people to steer clear of these regions for their safety.
With Tamhini receiving 168mm of rain, Bhira recording 151mm, and Lonavla seeing 103mm, it’s clear that the ghat sections are experiencing substantial rainfall. This raises concerns about potential landslides and road safety, prompting the IMD to issue a stern warning against venturing into these areas.
The heavy rainfall is attributed to a cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjacent Jharkhand, expected to intensify into a depression over Jharkhand soon. The monsoon trough is also active, contributing to the increased rainfall across Maharashtra.
In Pune, intermittent showers have already started, with areas like Hadapsar, Koregaon Park, Wadgaonsheri, and Chinchwad receiving moderate rainfall. The city’s dam catchment areas have also reported considerable rain, indicating a wet weekend ahead.
Due to road damage caused by the heavy rain, the district collector has ordered the closure of the road to Tamhini Ghat until Monday morning. This precautionary measure aims to prevent accidents and ensure public safety, as the ghat area has a history of landslides during heavy rainfall.
So, if you were planning a road trip to the ghats this weekend, it might be best to stay home and cozy up with a hot cup of tea instead. Remember to stay safe, stay informed, and avoid unnecessary travel during this rainy spell in Maharashtra.
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