Maharashtra rain update | Govt issues advisory as new depression forms over Bay of Bengal - what you need to know

Mumbai and several other parts of Maharashtra, which are already reeling under heavy rains, are bracing for yet another spell of showers, with the weather department issuing red and orange alerts.

The government has issued an advisory urging people to remain cautious and follow official instructions.

The advisory followed the India Meteorological Department’s prediction of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of the state between September 27 and 29.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in central Maharashtra and Konkan between September 27 and 29, while the Vidarbha region is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall at several places on September 27.

Marathwada is also likely to record heavy to very heavy showers on September 27 and 28.

The government, in its advisory, has urged people to avoid hazardous zones and refrain from travelling to flood-prone areas. People have also been advised not to take shelter under trees during thunderstorms.

The release has directed people in affected regions to use local relief shelters, if necessary, and avoid non-essential travel during flood situations.

According to weather experts, the fresh spell of rains is triggered by a new depression forming over the Bay of Bengal by September 27.

“A fresh depression off the Andhra coast is expected to develop over the next 24 – 48 hours. Meanwhile, the remnants of Typhoon Ragasa are also expected to merge with this depression in the Bay of Bengal, which will form by September 27,” Athreya Shetty, an independent weather forecaster, told the Indian Express. 

Shetty said the system will cut across Maharashtra and move into the region, bringing in heavy rain.