Maharashtra Braces for Warmer Winter, Fewer Cold-Wave Days
Maharashtra Braces for Warmer Winter, Fewer Cold-Wave Days
Maharashtra is set to experience a warmer winter this year, with above-normal temperatures expected during both day and night, according to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) seasonal outlook for December 2024 to February 2025.
The forecast indicates a higher probability of warmer conditions across most parts of the state, bringing in a milder winter. Almost all regions of Maharashtra are likely to have warmer nights this winter, with daytime temperatures also expected to remain above normal.
Furthermore, the IMD has predicted fewer cold-wave days across central and northwest India, including Maharashtra. This means that colder spells will be less frequent and shorter, resulting in a warmer overall season.
IMD explained that the forecast indicates above-normal day and night temperatures during the season, but day-to-day variations are likely. “Some days will witness below-normal temperatures, while others will be above normal, leading to an overall monthly or seasonal average that could be above normal,” he said.
Data from the IMD shows that minimum temperatures across most parts of Maharashtra have been registering significant positive departures, ranging from 4°C to 8°C above normal. Shivajinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 19.9°C on Thursday, around 7° above the normal for this time of the year.
The warmer temperatures are attributed to the remnants of Cyclone Fengal, which have caused southeasterly, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal to penetrate the state. These winds have led to increased cloud cover, preventing nighttime cooling and causing minimum temperatures to rise.
Pune is expected to experience minimum temperatures hovering between 16°C and 19°C over the next few days, with a slight dip from Saturday. However, no significant drop is anticipated, and temperatures may not fall appreciably below normal.
The warmer winter is also reflected in Pune’s recent temperature records. Shivajinagar recorded its warmest-ever December nights on December 3 and 4, with minimum temperatures reaching 21.7°C and 22.5°C, respectively.
