Mumbai is expected to witness a change in weather from May 31, with light rain and thundershowers forecast to arrive after a brief dry spell, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued thunderstorm and hailstorm alerts for several districts across Maharashtra.

The weather agency has warned of lightning, gusty winds and scattered rainfall in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, while heatwave-like conditions continue to grip large parts of the state.

Mumbai, Thane and Konkan to get rain after dry spell

According to the latest IMD forecast, Mumbai is likely to remain largely dry on May 31, with daytime temperatures hovering between 36°C and 39°C.

However, weather conditions are expected to change from Sunday onwards as light rain and thundershowers begin affecting the city.

From June 1, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated locations across Mumbai.

Similar conditions are expected in neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts, which are also forecast to receive rainfall after two days of mainly dry weather.

Across the Konkan belt, including Ratnagiri and Raigad, rainfall activity is expected to increase gradually. Stronger thunderstorm activity with winds reaching 40-50 kmph is likely on June 1 and June 2.

Vidarbha and Marathwada under thunderstorm, hailstorm watch

The IMD has issued weather warnings for multiple districts in Vidarbha, where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorm activity are expected over the next few days.

Districts likely to be affected include Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim and Yavatmal. Wind speeds may reach 40-50 kmph in isolated areas.

In Marathwada, Nanded, Latur and Dharashiv are forecast to receive light to moderate rain and thundershowers.

Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 50 kmph are also expected in some locations.

The IMD said rainfall activity may remain intermittent, with a few districts likely to experience dry conditions later in the forecast period.

Heatwave conditions persist despite rain forecast

Even as rainfall activity is expected to expand across parts of Maharashtra, intense heat continues to affect several inland districts.

Chandrapur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 44.8°C, while Gondia touched 44.4°C.

Other Vidarbha districts also reported extreme temperatures, including Yavatmal at 42.8°C, Wardha at 42.5°C, Nagpur at 42.1°C and Akola at 41.8°C.

In Marathwada, Parbhani recorded 41.1°C, while Jalgaon in north Maharashtra touched 41.2°C. Mumbai remained hot and humid, with maximum temperatures crossing 35°C.

The IMD has advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and exercise caution during thunderstorms.

Farmers have been urged to complete harvesting of mature crops and store produce safely as weather conditions become increasingly unstable across the state.