Maharashtra Monsoon: Orange Alert In Raigad, Schools Shut As Heavy Rains Pound Region
Heavy rain triggers orange alert in Raigad and Pune; schools shut, IMD warns of strong winds, landslides, and traffic disruptions as monsoon intensifies across Maharashtra.
Torrential rain battered Raigad district through the night, prompting authorities to swing into action. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the region, warning of intense rainfall and possible disruptions. In response, the Raigad District Collector has announced the closure of all schools and colleges for the day as a safety precaution.
The downpour marks a sharp intensification of the southwest monsoon across Maharashtra, with other districts now bracing for impact. Pune, along with key parts of the Konkan belt, is expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the day. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai has extended the orange alert to the ghat regions of Pune, as well as to Palghar, Thane, Ratnagiri, and Raigad.
An orange alert has been issued by the Meteorological Department for Raigad district in Maharashtra. Heavy rainfall has been lashing the district since last night. In view of the situation, the Raigad District Collector has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges for the… pic.twitter.com/Ob3Jku5Svo
— IANS (@ians_india) June 19, 2025
Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for North Maharashtra and Vidarbha, where moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue in spurts over the next few days.
What’s Driving the Downpour?
The current spell of intense rain is being fueled by a well-marked low-pressure area hovering over the east-central Arabian Sea and the North Konkan coast. This system is drawing in moisture-laden winds from the sea, creating conditions ripe for sustained heavy rainfall.
According to the IMD, strong gusty winds—ranging between 40 and 50 kmph—are likely to accompany the showers, especially along coastal belts and hilly areas.
Pune, Satara on High Alert
In Pune, the city and its surrounding hill zones, including parts of Satara and Raigad, are expected to face continuous rainfall. The weather department has cautioned that some areas could receive more than 70 mm of rain in just a few hours, increasing the risk of waterlogging, slippery roads, and landslides—especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Raigad, Maharashtra: Heavy rainfall in Maharashtra's Raigad district has pushed Kundalika, Patalganga, and Amba rivers to or beyond warning levels. With rain intensity expected to rise, an orange alert has been issued. Schools remain closed, and fishermen and locals in coastal… pic.twitter.com/OKLi89WFs6
— IANS (@ians_india) June 19, 2025
Residents in these areas are being urged to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel during peak rain hours, and stay clear of vulnerable slopes in the ghats.
Rain to Persist, But Intensity May Ease After Friday
While the heaviest showers are likely over western Maharashtra today and tomorrow, districts in Vidarbha—including Nagpur, Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli—are also in for widespread rain. However, for now, these regions remain under a yellow alert, with lower chances of severe weather.
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