Pune City’s August Rainfall Peaks At 269.8mm, Highest In Ten Years

Pune is experiencing its heaviest rainfall in August since 2014, according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). By August 27, the city had already accumulated 269.8 mm of rain, with several days still remaining in the month. This substantial total suggests that even more rain is possible before the month ends.

Earlier in the month, Pune had already surpassed its average August rainfall for the past four years. By August 24, the city had received 203.8 mm of rain. In just three days, this number increased by 66 mm, highlighting a significant surge in precipitation. An expert from the Vagaries of Weather Blog attributed this uptick to favorable conditions provided by the Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation (MISO), which affects the intensity and distribution of rainfall.

MISO refers to the natural variations in the monsoon cycle that can lead to periods of heavy or light rain. This year’s August has seen a dramatic increase in rainfall compared to recent years. In August 2023, Pune received only 42 mm of rain, and in August 2022, it was 164 mm. Comparatively, August 2021 had 41 mm, and August 2020 recorded 255 mm. This year’s rainfall marks a significant departure from these recent totals.

The IMD noted that while Pune saw reduced rainfall in the first week of August, subsequent convective showers have made up for the earlier shortfall, pushing the total significantly higher. An official from IMD commented on the city’s improved rainfall patterns, attributing recent heavy showers to renewed monsoon activity.

Adding to the records, Vineet Kumar, a research scientist specializing in cyclones, confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that Pune’s Shivajinagar area has logged 264.8 mm of rain this August, making it the wettest August there since 2014. The overall monsoon total for Pune has now exceeded 900 mm, reaching 910.8 mm.