Tamhini Ghat in Pune District Becomes India’s Wettest Spot This Monsoon
Surpassing Cherrapunji, the Western Ghats claim the title of highest rainfall, with Tamhini Ghat recording over 9,600 mm.
Tamhini Ghat in Pune district has emerged as the wettest place in India this monsoon, surpassing the renowned Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Tamhini Ghat recorded an astonishing 9,644 mm of rainfall, overtaking Cherrapunji’s 7,303.7 mm for the season.
IMD Pune’s senior meteorologist, SD Sanap, explained the reason for this significant rainfall. He highlighted the geographical similarities between the northeastern region and the Western Ghats, both of which are at high altitudes. The Sahyadri Range, in particular, played a crucial role by creating large cloud masses over Tamhini, resulting in intense rainfall. Additionally, a strong monsoon flow from the Arabian Sea and weather systems forming over Gujarat and Maharashtra further contributed to the heavy downpours in the region.
Other areas in Maharashtra, such as Davadi, Bhimashankar, Shirgaon, Lavasa and Lonavala, also experienced substantial rainfall, ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 mm. Popular spots like Mahabaleshwar, Ghatghar and Amboli saw similarly high figures.
Although the official confirmation of Tamhini Ghat’s rainfall data is pending, IMD officials acknowledge the possibility of even higher totals, citing reports of single-day rainfall exceeding 3,000 mm in the area. Historical data supports such occurrences, with previous instances of significant rainfall in Tamhini Ghat and the Western Ghats documented by weather scientists.
As for the monsoon’s withdrawal, earlier delays now seem unlikely, with conditions favorable for its normal retreat from Maharashtra. IMD will monitor the situation closely in the coming days.