Cloudy weather is expected to prevail across several parts of northern and central Maharashtra from Monday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 4. Regions such as Nashik division, Khandesh and adjoining areas may remain under cloud cover during this period.
Rainfall, if it occurs, will be very limited and confined to a few locations. Meteorologists indicate that isolated places may receive only 2 to 4 mm of light rain, while most areas will remain dry. From Thursday, February 5, the cloudy conditions are likely to ease, with skies gradually turning clearer.
In the first week of February, minimum temperatures are expected to stay higher than normal in parts of the state. In North Konkan and central Maharashtra, early morning temperatures may remain 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, resulting in warm and uncomfortable nights instead of the usual winter chill.
In the remaining districts, minimum temperatures are likely to stay close to normal levels. These areas may experience mixed weather conditions, with only mild cold felt during early morning hours.
For the rest of February, cooler nights are expected across Maharashtra, but the intensity of winter will remain low. The cold will be less noticeable compared to typical February conditions.
Daytime temperatures are also forecast to be higher than usual. Except for Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts, most parts of the state may record above-average afternoon temperatures, leading to noticeable heat during the day and increased irrigation requirements for rabi crops.
According to retired IMD meteorologist, Manikrao Khule, "Rainfall during the entire month is expected to remain below normal. February usually records low rainfall, but this year, most districts may receive less than the average, making the month largely dry".
He attribute these conditions to western disturbances moving unusually southward and an anticyclonic circulation drawing limited moisture from the Bay of Bengal, causing cloud cover without significant rain.