The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts in Maharashtra, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days.A red alert, which means the likelihood of extremely heavy rain, has been issued for Raigad on 23 May and for Ratnagiri on 22 and 23 May. An orange alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Sindhudurg, and the hilly areas of Pune and Satara. These areas can expect heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and strong winds during this time.

The IMD also gave an orange alert for Mumbai on 23 and 24 May, warning of heavy rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour in some places.

This weather is caused by a low-pressure system that has formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, near the south Konkan coast and Goa. The IMD says this low-pressure system is likely to get stronger and cause intense showers across Konkan and other parts of Maharashtra.

Shubhangi Bhute, an official at the Regional Meteorological Centre, said the low-pressure system will intensify within 36 hours and move northwards. She added that the entire Konkan coast is under orange alert, while Raigad and Ratnagiri districts have a red alert. Wind speeds will generally be between 30 and 40 km/h but could reach up to 60 km/h in some areas.

Some places may see very heavy rain with thunderstorms. The IMD has also warned fishermen not to venture into the sea along the coasts of Gujarat and Maharashtra during this period.Meanwhile, parts of south Mumbai had a downpour on Thursday evening, giving some relief to people from the hot summer weather.

Inputs from PTI