When Nanded residents thought the monsoon season had finally said goodbye, nature had other plans. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Nanded district from October 26 to 29, warning of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds up to 40 km/h.
This unexpected weather twist has raised concerns among local farmers and residents who had already begun post-monsoon routines. The timing could not have been worse for those preparing for upcoming Diwali celebrations and crop harvesting.
Weather Taking a Turn: What IMD Says
According to IMD officials, a combination of moisture from the Arabian Sea and changing wind patterns has triggered the development of a low-pressure area, leading to this sudden wet spell across Marathwada, including Nanded.
The yellow alert, the lowest level of warning, serves as a cautionary signal to “be aware”. It means citizens should prepare for possible weather disruptions but not panic. However, given Nanded’s past experiences with flash floods and lightning strikes, even a yellow alert commands serious attention.
“We are monitoring the system closely. Light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells is possible in parts of Nanded, especially during evening hours,” said an IMD officer from Mumbai’s regional center. “Farmers should avoid leaving harvested crops in open fields and secure them under proper sheds.”
Farmers on Edge as Unseasonal Rain Looms
For farmers, these unseasonal rains are nothing short of a nightmare. Most of the kharif crops like soybean, cotton, and tur have already been harvested or are in the drying phase. A sudden spell of rain could spoil yields and increase losses.
Rajesh Pawar, a farmer from Loha taluka, shared his concern, saying, “We just finished harvesting cotton, and now the fields are covered with it for drying. If rain continues for two days, half of it will be ruined. We were hoping for clear skies before Diwali.”
Agricultural experts have also warned that high humidity combined with moisture from rain could trigger pest infestations in standing crops. The district administration has urged farmers to store their produce safely and cover open storage areas with waterproof sheets.
Civic Authorities Prepare for Potential Disruptions
Meanwhile, the Nanded Municipal Corporation has activated emergency teams to monitor low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. Officials said drainage cleaning has been completed in several parts of the city to prevent flooding.
Deputy Commissioner of NMC, Sandeep Patil, told local media, “We are coordinating with IMD and state disaster management to ensure quick response if rain intensifies. Residents are advised not to park vehicles under trees and stay indoors during lightning.”
Local power authorities are also conducting checks on electricity poles and transformers to prevent outages during thunderstorms.
Impact on Daily Life and Festivities
The timing of the rainfall alert coincides with the Diwali preparation rush, causing concern among shopkeepers and event organizers. Many outdoor stalls and community events may face delays or cancellations if the rain continues through the weekend.
Some families have already started rescheduling wedding functions planned for the end of October. Travel services and intercity buses have also reported an increase in inquiries for potential cancellations.
However, some residents see a silver lining. “The weather has turned cooler, and it feels refreshing after weeks of heat. If the rain stays mild, it might actually make Diwali evenings pleasant,” said Sneha Deshmukh, a college student in Nanded.
Why Maharashtra Is Seeing a Surprise Wet Spell
Meteorologists explain that Maharashtra’s post-monsoon rainfall this year has been erratic due to climate variability and delayed withdrawal of monsoon winds. Similar yellow alerts were issued earlier this week in Pune, Aurangabad, and Nagpur, indicating that the phenomenon is part of a wider system across central India.
Experts point to global temperature shifts and sea-surface warming as possible reasons for these recurring unseasonal showers. “This is no longer an exception; such patterns are becoming part of India’s new climate reality,” said a senior weather researcher from Pune University.
What Residents Should Do
Authorities have shared a few simple safety measures for the next few days:
- Avoid venturing out during thunderstorms or lightning.
- Stay away from open fields and large trees.
- Farmers should cover harvested crops and check for waterlogging in fields.
- Households should unplug electrical devices during heavy lightning.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case of power cuts or flooding.
Schools and colleges have been asked to stay alert and make arrangements for sudden weather-related holidays if conditions worsen.
Outlook and Conclusion
The IMD expects the rain to subside after October 29, with temperatures dropping slightly across Marathwada. While this spell is not severe, it serves as a reminder that weather unpredictability is increasing every year.
For Nanded, the next few days will test both preparedness and patience. The district administration’s proactive steps may reduce potential damage, but nature’s surprises remain beyond anyone’s control.
As one local meteorologist summed it up, “We can forecast, but we can’t command. The best we can do is stay ready.”