Pune faces early ‘October heat’ as monsoon withdrawal delayed
Pune faces early ‘October heat’ as monsoon withdrawal delayed (representational pic)
Pune has been experiencing higher temperatures since last weekend, with many people noting an early arrival of what is commonly referred to as ‘October heat’. Anupam Kashyapi, former head of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), explained that this situation is caused by a lack of cloud cover and the moisture present in the air.
According to Kashyapi, the clouds that typically help insulate the heat have mostly disappeared. “As a result, the heat load is significant, which affects how the temperature is perceived,” he stated. Additionally, the moisture in the air, while insufficient for rain, contributes to the discomfort felt during the hottest parts of the day. “This heat isn’t extremely dangerous, as long as prolonged exposure is avoided,” he added.
On Monday, September 30, the Southwest Monsoon officially concluded in India, but its withdrawal has not yet occurred in many regions. Another round of rain is anticipated, particularly in Pune and nearby areas. Overall, the monsoon has been very beneficial for Maharashtra and most of the country, with water levels in reservoirs approaching full capacity, alleviating water shortages for at least a year.
Currently, the Southwest Monsoon is still active in Maharashtra, but the rain has come to a halt. With the exception of Dharashiv (Osmanabad), all other districts in the state have reported that their dams are full. Even Jayakwadi, the largest dam in Marathwada, is completely filled to capacity. Another round of rain is anticipated once the monsoon begins to retreat from the state.
The Southwest Monsoon officially begins on June 1 and concludes on September 30. However, over the years, both the start and end dates have varied significantly. This year, the withdrawal has not yet started in Maharashtra, as the line indicating the retreat is currently moving through parts of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
