The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Konkan coast, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the region. This alert specifically targets coastal districts of Maharashtra and Goa, with warnings of potential disruptions due to the severe weather. The red alert signifies that authorities should take action to protect residents and minimize damage.

The IMD has attributed the impending heavy rainfall to a low-pressure area that has formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, off the south Konkan-Goa coast. This low-pressure system is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 36 hours and is likely to move northwards. There is also a possibility of it intensifying further.

Given these conditions, a red alert has been issued for Raigad on May 23 and for Ratnagiri district for May 22 and 23. An orange alert is in place for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg, as well as the ghat areas of Pune and Satara. The orange alert indicates that these areas should be prepared for heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Wind speeds during this period are expected to range between 30-40 kmph and may reach up to 60 kmph in isolated locations.

The heavy rains have already impacted Mumbai, with pre-monsoon showers lashing the city and surrounding areas. Santacruz recorded a minimum temperature of 22.5°C, which is five degrees below normal, while daytime highs hovered around 32°C, about two degrees cooler than average. Both Colaba and Santacruz observatories have logged over 100 mm of rainfall, nearly 700% above the month's average.

The IMD has also warned of isolated extremely heavy rainfall over Coastal Karnataka on May 24. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala and Karnataka from May 22 to 28.

Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea along the coasts of Gujarat and Maharashtra due to the adverse weather conditions. The predicted heavy rainfall and gusty winds could cause damage to power lines, communication networks, and agricultural activities.

The State Disaster Management Authority is active with its 24x7 control rooms in both North and South Goa to monitor the situation and provide assistance. Citizens are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, the IMD has stated that conditions are becoming favorable for the onset of the monsoon over Kerala within the next two days.