Pune experienced its hottest day of the summer on Saturday, with Lohegaon recording a scorching 42.4 degrees Celsius and Shivajinagar reaching 40.9 degrees Celsius. However, residents may get some respite from the prolonged heat spell next week.
Record-Breaking Heat
Lohegaon has recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for 15 consecutive days until Saturday. Shivajinagar, on the other hand, has seen four days with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the fortnight starting April 11. Residents stepping out on Saturday afternoon faced extreme heat and severe discomfort. A motorcyclist on FC Road described the conditions, saying, "Warm winds blew through the afternoon."
IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated a gradual decline in maximum temperatures by approximately 2 to 4 degrees Celsius between April 26 and May 1. S D Sanap, a scientist at IMD Pune, explained that the drop would not be sudden but phased. "A gradual reduction in temperatures is expected over the coming days, with a fall of around 2 to 4 degrees. This will not be a sudden dip but a slow decline over five to seven days," he said.
Sanap attributed the expected relief to the weakening of the prevailing anticyclonic circulation, with northerly winds expected to dominate in the coming days. "This change in wind pattern will contribute to the slight fall in maximum temperatures. But since temperatures have risen significantly, conditions will remain warm," he added.
Broader Weather Patterns
The anticipated relief in Maharashtra is linked to broader weather changes over north India. Delhi has been experiencing heat wave conditions for the past three days, but these are likely to subside soon. According to the IMD, heat wave conditions in Delhi are expected to continue until Sunday. Thereafter, under the influence of lower tropospheric easterly winds, maximum temperatures are likely to fall, leading to an abatement of heat wave conditions from April 28.
Meteorologists noted that the same evolving wind systems affecting north India are expected to extend southwards, including parts of Maharashtra, contributing to the anticipated temperature dip.
Possibility of Light Rainfall
The IMD has indicated a possibility of light rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of south Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada over the next couple of days, although no warning has been issued for Pune. Officials said that moisture availability and favorable local conditions might trigger isolated, short-duration weather activity, but widespread rainfall is unlikely.
Persistent Heat Stress
Experts cautioned that daytime temperatures would remain above normal in the city despite the expected marginal dip. Heat stress conditions may persist over the coming days.
