Weather Update: Why Pune Feels Colder Than the Actual Temperature

Residents of Pune are experiencing a heightened chill despite relatively moderate temperature readings, with experts attributing the phenomenon to Cyclone Fengal, which is expected to make landfall by Saturday night.

Pune’s Cold Wave: Single-Digit Temperatures Recorded

In recent days, Pune has experienced a cold wave, with minimum temperatures plunging to single digits. On Saturday, the NDA area recorded a low of 8.1°C, marking it as the coldest spot in the city. Despite this, the chill factor, or the perceived coldness, feels significantly more intense than the temperature readings suggest.

Cyclone Fengal’s Role in Pune’s Chill Factor

Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), explained that Cyclone Fengal has created an anti-clockwise circulation over the Bay of Bengal, resulting in moisture-laden winds being sucked out of the state.

“In moisture-laden air, the temperature feels warmer. Now that the moisture is depleted, it feels colder than the recorded temperature,” said Kashyapi.

Additionally, clear skies in Pune have allowed for greater long-range radiation, contributing to the cooling of the land and intensifying the perceived cold.

Historical Context: Pune’s Coldest Days

While current temperatures in Pune are chilly, they are not among the city’s coldest recorded. Pune’s coldest day on record was November 27, 1964, when the mercury plunged to a frigid 4.6°C. During the 1980s, the city frequently experienced minimum temperatures ranging between 6°C and 7°C.

Cyclone Fengal: Landfall and Broader Impacts

Cyclone Fengal, currently hovering over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall late Saturday night, approximately 100 km from Chennai and Puducherry. The storm is predicted to intensify into a deep depression, moving westward over the coming days.

The IMD has issued heavy rainfall warnings for several areas in southern India, advising fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.

Key Takeaways for Pune Residents

• Heightened Chill Factor: Residents are urged to prepare for cold mornings, as the reduced moisture levels and clear skies will continue to amplify the perceived chill.
• Cyclone Fengal Updates: Stay informed about potential weather changes as the cyclone progresses.

This combination of meteorological factors has created an unseasonal chill in Pune, underscoring the wider impacts of Cyclone Fengal even hundreds of kilometers away from its landfall zone.