Pune Swelters At 40 Degrees As IMD Declares Monday Hottest Day of Summer, Thunderstorms Offer Fleeting Relief

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported Monday as the hottest day of summer in Pune, with temperatures soaring to 40.7°C in Lohegaon. However, isolated thunderstorm activity in areas like Kothrud, Shivajinagar, and Vimannagar brought relief from the scorching heat in the evening. Anupam Kashyapi, former head of IMD’s weather forecast division, attributed the thunderstorm to high temperatures and local instability. While some areas experienced significant rainfall, others saw only mild drizzles. Despite the rain, dry conditions and winds led to the uplifting of dust particles, causing discomfort for those with allergies. The IMD forecasts the possibility of light rain in Pune on April 21, but further updates are awaited.

Monday marked a scorching day in Pune as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded it as the hottest day of summer so far. With temperatures soaring to a staggering 40.7°C in Lohegaon, residents sought relief from the oppressive heat.

However, relief came in the form of isolated thunderstorm activity in various parts of the city. Areas like Kothrud, Shivajinagar, and Vimannagar witnessed thunderstorms in the evening, bringing down the temperatures and providing some respite from the sweltering conditions.

Anupam Kashyapi, former head of IMD’s weather forecast division, explained that the thunderstorm was a result of the combination of high temperatures and the presence of moisture, leading to local instability. This instability resulted in the development of Cumulus clouds during the day, which later transformed into cumulo-nimbus clouds, causing thunder, lightning, and light rain or drizzles in the evening.

Despite the rainfall, dry conditions and winds persisted, leading to the uplifting of dust particles in the air, creating discomfort for individuals with allergies.

In terms of temperature, various regions within Pune district experienced intense heat. Dhamdhere, Shirur, and Ballalwadi recorded temperatures as high as 42.4°C, 42.3°C, and 42.1°C respectively. Suburbs like Chinchwad, Rajgurunagar, and Talegaon also witnessed temperatures nearing 42°C. Even within the city limits, areas like Magarpatta and Girivan reported maximum temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Looking ahead, the IMD officials anticipate the possibility of light rain in Pune on April 21, although further updates are awaited to confirm the forecast. Despite the relief brought by the rain, residents brace themselves for the continued heat as summer progresses in the region.