The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is under a yellow warning throughout the weekend, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). On Saturday and Sunday, thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph are predicted for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar.

With the meteorological agency forecasting severe to very heavy rains in several areas, the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg regions are still on red alert.

Around May 21, a cyclonic circulation formed over the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karnataka, according to the meteorological service.

Around May 22, a low-pressure system developed over the east-central Arabian Sea close to the coast of Karnataka. As a consequence, Maharashtra has had a lot of rainfall in recent days. Up to May 25, the state will continue to have a lot of rain, especially in Madhya Maharashtra’s Konkan and ghat regions. Parts of Pune, Alhyanagar, Kolhapur, Satara, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli are predicted to see exceptionally high rainfall, according to the IMD’s warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

The IMD states that the well-marked low-pressure region over the east central Arabian water near the shores of South Konkan and Goa is now in a reasonably favorable environment with warm water temperatures, poleward outflow, and low to moderate vertical wind shear. The system’s strength is maintained by the additional occurrence of equatorial waves, such as Rossby and Kelvin waves, together with a strong westerly wind anomaly over the south Arabian Sea (5 to 7 mps) and an easterly wind anomaly over the east central Arabian Sea (5 to 7 mps).

However, the system’s evolution is being slowed down by land interactions. The most recent model advice has retracted the probable establishment of a depression over the AS and suggested movement that is almost northeasterly in comparison to earlier runs. The system is constantly monitored for potential advancements. Thus, the likelihood of developing depression over the course of the following 24 hours is kept at a moderate level.

Safety measures must be implemented

• When thunderstorms are occurring, stay away from working in fields and open spaces.

• When a thunderstorm is approaching, stay away from buildings and tall trees.

• Unplug electronic and electrical devices.

• Leave bodies of water right away.

• Steer clear of anything that conducts electricity.

IMD recommendation

• Mature crops should be harvested since thunderstorm activity is possible and might bring with it lightning, strong gusts (30 to 40 kmph), and light to moderate rainfall.

• As soon as feasible, harvest the ripe crops and store them in secure locations.

• To avoid lodging, give young fruit and vegetable plants support.

• The gathered product should be well covered if threshing is not an option.

• The grains should be moved to secure storage to safeguard them from unexpected rainfall.

• Steer clear of chemical sprays and irrigation.

Assemble plans to remove surplus rainfall from the fields.

• In cow sheds, livestock should be housed in secure areas. Farm animals should be kept inside during lightning and thunderstorms.