Pune: Maharashtra is likely to experience light rain for the next four days starting Wednesday (December 25) as cold winds from northern India and moisture-laden winds from the south clash, creating unusual weather conditions. This phenomenon, coupled with intensified jet stream winds in the upper atmosphere, is affecting the state’s lower atmospheric layers.
Despite a rise in minimum temperatures over the past few days—from an average of 9–10°C to 18–22°C—chilly conditions persist due to the influence of strong jet stream winds. Northern India continues to endure severe cold, with similar conditions extending to states from Jammu and Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh.
In Maharashtra, the collision of these winds has led to dense fog, cold winds, and rain-like conditions. The weather pattern is expected to persist from December 25 to December 29, with Dhule, Nandurbar, and Nashik districts placed on a rain alert. Cloudy skies may increase rainfall likelihood in other regions as well.
Crop Impacts and Precautions
According to meteorologist Dr. Manikrao Khule, the current weather conditions could negatively affect crops like onions, wheat, and chickpeas. There is a risk of pest infestations, fungal growth, and aphid attacks, which may require immediate pesticide and fungicide sprays.
Flowering and grain-filling stages may suffer due to reduced photosynthesis and limited nutrient availability, potentially stunting crop growth. The humid weather could also harm vineyards during the grape-cluster formation stage.
On Sunday, minimum temperatures across Maharashtra ranged from 11°C to 22°C, with Nagpur recording 11.8°C and Mumbai at 21.5°C. Other cities like Pune, Nashik, and Kolhapur reported temperatures between 14°C and 17°C.
The unusual weather is attributed to jet stream winds created by the interaction of cold northern winds and moisture-laden southern winds. This atmospheric phenomenon occurs at altitudes between 20 km and 50 km above sea level, but its effects are being felt in the lower layers, causing persistent cold winds and increasing rainfall probability.
