Pune Records 83% Rainfall Deficit as Monsoon Delay Continues
Pune Records 83% Rainfall Deficit as Monsoon Delay Continues
District receives just 13.9 mm rain in June so far; experts say monsoon revival may take another few days.
Pune district is facing a severe rainfall shortage as the southwest monsoon remains delayed. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the district has received only 13.9 mm of rainfall so far in June, leaving it with an 83% rainfall deficit.
The situation is not limited to Pune. More than half of Maharashtra is currently experiencing a large rainfall deficit, with around 20 districts recording shortages of 60% to 90%. The worst-affected regions include Konkan, central Maharashtra and Vidarbha.
Pune city is also witnessing one of its driest starts to June in over a century. Data from the IMD’s Shivajinagar observatory shows that this is the fourth-driest first fortnight of June since record-keeping began in 1915. Historical records suggest that even after a delayed start, significant rainfall can occur later in the month, offering some hope for improvement.
However, weather experts say monsoon activity is unlikely to revive over Maharashtra during the next four to five days. Until then, Pune and surrounding areas are expected to continue experiencing hot and humid weather conditions.
Senior IMD meteorologist S.D. Sanap said there are currently no signs of an immediate monsoon revival over the state. He also noted that monsoon circulation has weakened considerably, slowing its further progress.
Former IMD Pune head K.S. Hosalikar said emerging El Niño-like conditions and a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) could affect rainfall patterns this season. While rainfall is expected, its distribution may remain uneven and unpredictable.
With reservoir levels, farming activities and water supply dependent on the monsoon, authorities and residents are closely watching weather developments and hoping for stronger rainfall in the second half of June.
