Pune is currently experiencing a weather paradox. While residents are waking up to the coolest mornings in Maharashtra, they are facing a blistering heat as the sun climbs, with temperatures swinging by as much as 23°C in a single day.
Morning Chill: Pune Claims the State’s Lows
Over the past few days, the Shivajinagar observatory has recorded some of the lowest minimum temperatures in Maharashtra. On Thursday, Shivajinagar dipped to 17.1°C, second only to Nashik (16.3°C).
The Greener “Cool Zones”:
- Shivajinagar & NDA: Recorded around 17°C, largely due to the vegetation cover at the Agriculture College campus and surrounding green belts.
- The Urban Contrast: Most of the city didn’t feel the chill. Areas like Hadapsar and Magarpatta saw much warmer minimums, hovering between 24°C and 26°C, reflecting the city’s dense urban heat patterns.
Afternoon Heat: Crossing the 40°C Mark
The cool start to the day quickly vanishes as the sun rises. On Thursday, most of Pune—including Pashan, Lavale, and Koregaon Park—clocked in at 40°C, nearly 2°C above normal. Lohegaon was the city’s furnace, peaking at a scorching 42°C.
The Science Behind the Swing: According to SD Sanap of the IMD Pune, an anticyclonic circulation over Maharashtra is the culprit. This system causes air to sink (subsidence), resulting in crystal-clear skies and low humidity—the perfect recipe for temperatures to skyrocket during the day while allowing rapid cooling at night.
Forecast: Relief on the Horizon?
The IMD suggests the current “stable” heat will persist for the next 48 hours. However, starting April 19, a slight dip of 1–2°C is expected as the anticyclonic system weakens and shifts eastward, potentially bringing some cloud cover.
Safety First: While Pune hasn’t officially met “heatwave” criteria (which requires temperatures to be 4.5°C above normal), the 40°C+ heat is dangerous. Authorities recommend:
- Staying indoors during peak afternoon hours.
- Staying hydrated and wearing light cotton clothes.
- Using umbrellas and caps when outdoors.
State-Wide Alerts
The heat isn’t limited to Pune. The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for Jalgaon and parts of Vidarbha through April 19. Meanwhile, a shift in weather is expected from April 18 to 20, with thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds predicted for parts of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, signaling a volatile end to the week.
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