The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a continuation of chilly conditions for Pune, with the minimum temperature expected to hover around 10 degrees Celsius on Monday. Residents can anticipate a slight rise, with the mercury climbing to approximately 11°C on Tuesday across key city locations.
A Look at the Recent Cold Spell
This forecast follows a notably cold Sunday where most areas in Pune already experienced double-digit minimums. Data from IMD reveals that on Sunday, only Pashan recorded a temperature below 10°C at 9.5°C. Other prominent locations witnessed higher readings:
- Shivajinagar: 10.1°C
- Lohegaon: 14.2°C
- Chinchwad: 14.8°C
- Lavale: 15.8°C
- Magarpatta: 15.9°C
- Koregaon Park: 14.1°C
IMD officials confirmed that the city endured a record-breaking cold period in the first half of December, marking the coldest start to the month in ten years. The fortnight from December 1 to 15 also saw the highest number of nights with single-digit minimum temperatures since 2014.
The average minimum temperature for this period was a stark 10.66°C, significantly lower than the averages recorded in the corresponding periods over the last decade. Experts attributed this intense cold spell to a combination of persistent northerly and northwesterly winds, clear night skies, and low humidity levels, which collectively amplified radiation cooling and caused sharp dips in overnight temperatures.
Gradual Warming and Broader Weather Patterns
A shift in conditions began after December 15 and is now influencing the current weather. A senior IMD official explained that marginally increased humidity and a slightly reduced influence of northwesterly winds are leading to a gradual increase in the minimum temperature. "We can expect double-digit minimum temperatures for the next few days," the official stated.
The IMD's extended forecast suggests this warming trend will persist, with the minimum temperature expected to reach around 12°C on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026. In terms of sky conditions, haze is likely over city areas on Monday and Tuesday, but the skies are predicted to become mainly clear starting Wednesday.
National Weather Alerts and Western Disturbance
While Pune experiences a moderate chill, other parts of India are under more severe warnings. The IMD has issued a cold wave alert for isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand over the next 48 hours.
Additionally, dense to very dense fog is forecast to persist during night and morning hours over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and west Uttar Pradesh until December 31. Eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience these conditions until January 1, 2026.
Officials also indicated that a fresh western disturbance is set to affect the weather. This system is expected to hit the western Himalayan region from December 30, extending to the adjoining plains by December 31. It is likely to bring rain and snow. "Light to moderate scattered rainfall and snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Muzaffarabad are likely between December 30 and January 2, 2026. The hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may also see isolated precipitation during this period," an official added.
