Pune Weather Update: City to Experience Cloudy Skies and Light Rain, Offering Brief Relief from Heat
Maharashtra Weather Update: Humid and Cloudy Conditions Continue, Rain Forecast Raises Concerns
Pune: After enduring scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C, Pune is set to experience a brief respite with cloudy skies and light rainfall. However, meteorologists warn that this relief may be short-lived, as summer temperatures are expected to rise again in the coming days.
According to Anupam Kashyapi, former head of climate forecasting at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cloud cover is being driven by moisture drawn from the Bay of Bengal, coupled with the influence of opposing wind patterns over southeastern Maharashtra and surrounding regions. “Starting March 15, Pune will witness cloudy conditions with light rain, thunder, and lightning,” he said.
Early Onset of Summer in Pune
Pune has been grappling with unseasonal heat, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in multiple locations, including Koregaon Park, Lohegaon, Shirur, and Dhamdhere. January 2024 recorded some of the highest temperatures in a decade, marking an early and intense start to summer. After a slightly cooler February, March has turned significantly warmer, prompting the IMD to issue heatwave precautions.
Experts attribute the ongoing heatwave-like conditions to the absence of winter rainfall. Kashyapi explained, “Maharashtra’s black cotton and red soil absorb and retain more heat than usual. The lack of cooling due to dry weather has caused summer to start earlier, making the season longer and more intense.”
IMD Issues Heatwave Advisory
With higher-than-usual minimum temperatures, nights in Pune have also been warmer and uncomfortable. The IMD has urged residents to take precautions, advising people to:
Avoid going outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM
Stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing
Use umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen when stepping out
As Pune prepares for a temporary dip in temperatures, experts warn that summer will intensify again, making it crucial for residents to remain cautious and well-prepared.
