Pune News: Tamhini Ghat Records 2,000 mm Rainfall in June, Surpasses Maharashtra’s Wettest Regions
Pune News: Tamhini Ghat Records 2,000 mm Rainfall in June, Surpasses Maharashtra’s Wettest Regions
Pune: In an extraordinary weather development, Tamhini Ghat in Pune district has recorded a staggering 2,000 mm of rainfall in the month of June alone — the highest in Maharashtra and far exceeding even traditionally wet areas such as Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala. Weather scientists have flagged this as an exceptionally rare phenomenon for this early in the monsoon season.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Tamhini’s rainfall tally has surpassed Mahabaleshwar (1,223 mm), Radhanagari (1,289 mm), Gaganbawada (1,109 mm), and Lonavala (1,096 mm). This marks a sharp increase from the 848 mm the region recorded during the same period last year.
Western Maharashtra as a whole is witnessing above-normal rainfall this season, with ghat sections reporting particularly intense spells. Pune district received 295.1 mm in June — nearly double its average of 149.5 mm.
Meteorologists attribute the spike in rainfall to strong moisture-laden weather systems originating in the Arabian Sea. In contrast, the Bay of Bengal, which typically fuels rain in Vidarbha and Marathwada, has remained relatively inactive, leading to deficits in eastern Maharashtra.
The excessive downpour has also impacted water reservoirs. Catchment areas feeding the Khadakwasla dam complex recorded heavy rainfall, prompting the irrigation department to release 2.32 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the dam in June — a notably early release in the season.
Tamhini is known for heavy rainfall, but such volume and intensity in just one month haven’t been seen in recent years.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Pune district through June 30. City areas will see light to moderate rain, while heavy showers may occur at isolated spots in the ghats of Satara and Kolhapur. Conditions will remain cloudy, with significant rainfall expected in higher altitudes.
The record-breaking rainfall in Tamhini has caught the attention of experts and is prompting a deeper look at changing monsoon behaviours across western India.
