Mumbai/Pune/Nagpur: Maharashtra is witnessing stark regional contrasts in weather patterns on March 22, 2026, with soaring daytime heat and humidity along the coast juxtaposed against the threat of unseasonal rain and thunderstorms in interior regions.
Coastal areas, including Mumbai and the Konkan belt, are enduring hot and humid conditions fueled by moisture from the Arabian Sea and local low-pressure influences. Mumbai’s maximum temperature is expected to touch 36°C, with elevated humidity making it feel significantly warmer. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid weather in select Konkan districts over the next 48 hours, advising residents to exercise caution during peak afternoon hours and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.
In Pune and western Maharashtra, skies remain largely clear, with daytime highs forecasted between 34°C and 37°C. Some areas may see partial cloud cover leading to isolated light showers in the afternoon, while cooler breezes from the west bring relief during evenings.
North Maharashtra, including Nashik, continues to experience dry and increasingly hot weather. Maximum temperatures hover around 36°C, driven by arid winds that intensify the daytime heat. Agricultural authorities have highlighted the need for careful water management in farming areas amid these prolonged dry spells.
Vidarbha, led by Nagpur, sees temperatures climbing back above 35°C after a brief respite. Certain districts, including Akola and Amravati, face heatwave-like conditions, while scattered thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30-40 kmph and light rain remain possible. IMD forecasts indicate potential for such activity in isolated pockets.
Marathwada, with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) recording maxima up to 38°C, presents a mixed picture. Districts like Latur, Dharashiv, and Parbhani may turn cloudy, with risks of hailstorms not entirely ruled out. Farmers in the region have been cautioned to safeguard harvested crops from unexpected showers.
Looking ahead to March 23, state-wide temperatures could rise by another 2-3°C, with heightened chances of unseasonal rain in Vidarbha and Marathwada. Konkan’s intense heat is set to persist, while western Maharashtra stays partly cloudy. IMD urges close monitoring over the next 72 hours for evolving patterns.
Residents across Maharashtra are advised to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure during peak hours, and follow official updates from the IMD for any changes in alerts or forecasts.