IMD predicts rain, thunderstorms in Maharashtra; holiday for schools in parts of Vidarbha and Raigad

IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms in Maharashtra, NCR, and other regions, prompting safety measures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, over the next few hours in Maharashtra on July 22.

Certain regions of Maharashtra are expected to experience precipitation within the next three hours.

"Thunderstorms with lightning and light to moderate rainfall are very likely to occur in a few places over Chandrapur and isolated places over Bhandara, Yavatmal, Gadchiroli, Wardha, and Gondia, including the Nagpur and Amravati districts of Vidarbha. Very light to light rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places over the Akola district of Vidarbha. Take precautions while moving out," the IMD stated.

The IMD has also predicted that moderate rain will likely occur at isolated places over Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Thane, and the Ghats of Satara in the next three hours.

NDRF teams have been deployed in Vasai (Palghar), Thane, Ghatkopar, Powai (Kurla), Mahad (Raigad), Khed and Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kudal (Sindhudurg), Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara as a precaution during the monsoon season.

"Apart from three teams in Mumbai and one team in Nagpur as regular deployment, teams are on alert for any emergency response at their locations, conducting reconnaissance in low-lying and landslide-prone areas," the NDRF reported.

Earlier, the Mumbai Police issued an advisory asking citizens to avoid coastal areas due to the heavy rainfall in the city.