Pune Records Driest Start to June Since 1958 as Monsoon Remains Delayed
Pune Records Driest Start to June Since 1958 as Monsoon Remains Delayed
With no significant rainfall in the first half of June, Pune is witnessing one of its driest starts to the monsoon season in more than six decades.
By Vidhi Lalla
PUNE: While most parts of Maharashtra eagerly welcome the arrival of the southwest monsoon in June, Pune is still waiting for meaningful rainfall. The city has recorded an unusually dry start to the monsoon season, making this one of the most remarkable weather events in recent decades.
According to weather records maintained by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shivajinagar observatory recorded no measurable rainfall during the first 15 days of June. This is the first time such a situation has occurred since 1958.
Historical data dating back to 1901 shows that Pune has experienced prolonged dry spells before, but very rarely. Prior to this year, 1915, 1932 and 1958 were among the few years when the city remained dry for an extended period at the beginning of June. Meteorologists note that although those years started with little or no rainfall, the overall monthly rainfall figures eventually improved later in the season.
The delayed advance of the southwest monsoon over Maharashtra has been identified as the primary reason behind the current situation. Weather experts say the monsoon currents over the region are not yet strong enough to generate widespread rainfall across Pune and neighbouring districts.
All districts of Maharashtra are currently facing deficits, with most of them experiencing large deficits. Notably, Nandurbar and Dhule have received no rainfall between 1st and 16th June. 🌧️📉 Even Pune city has remained completely dry.
— WeatherMan (@IndiaWeather12) June 16, 2026
The absence of significant low-pressure… pic.twitter.com/abEHjEGQYC
The lack of rain has also affected temperatures across the city. Morning temperatures have remained unusually high for June, with several localities recording warmer-than-normal conditions.
Koregaon Park and Hadapsar were among the warmest areas, recording minimum temperatures of 26.5 degrees Celsius. Shivajinagar registered 25 degrees Celsius, while Chinchwad recorded 25.5 degrees Celsius. Magarpatta reported 25 degrees Celsius, whereas relatively cooler conditions were observed in NDA and Lavale, where temperatures fell to around 22.6 degrees Celsius.
Daytime temperatures have also remained steady, hovering around 35 degrees Celsius across many parts of Pune. Pashan emerged as one of the hottest locations, recording temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. The limited variation in temperatures across the city indicates a lack of moisture and weak monsoon activity over the region.
Weather officials point out that the strength of the southwest monsoon depends largely on seasonal wind patterns over the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This year, global climatic conditions have influenced the monsoon’s progress, contributing to weaker-than-expected rainfall activity during the early part of the season.
Despite multiple forecasts predicting rainfall over the past week, Pune residents have experienced only cloudy skies and increased humidity, with little relief from the heat. The delayed showers have become a major talking point across the city, particularly because June is traditionally associated with regular monsoon rains.
The dry conditions have also raised concerns among farmers, water resource planners and residents who depend on timely monsoon rainfall. While reservoir levels currently remain manageable, a prolonged delay could increase pressure on water resources if rainfall remains below normal for an extended period.
Meteorologists, however, remain cautiously optimistic. Historical records show that delayed monsoon onset does not necessarily translate into poor seasonal rainfall. In previous years with similar dry beginnings, rainfall activity strengthened later in June and July.
For now, weather forecasts indicate partly cloudy skies with the possibility of isolated rainfall activity in the coming days. Until stronger monsoon currents develop over Maharashtra, Pune is expected to continue experiencing warm and humid conditions.
As residents look skyward each evening hoping for the season’s first widespread showers, Pune’s unusually dry June has already secured a place in the city’s weather history. Whether the monsoon arrives with force in the coming weeks remains the question on everyone’s mind.
