Pune experienced its hottest day of May on Monday, with maximum temperatures soaring to 43.8 degrees Celsius in Lohegaon and 41.6 degrees Celsius in Shivajinagar. According to IMD data, the city's all-time highest May temperature of 43.3 degrees Celsius was recorded at Shivajinagar on May 7, 1889.
Temperature Departure from Normal
Monday's maximum temperature in Lohegaon was 6.3 degrees above normal, while Shivajinagar recorded a departure of 4.1 degrees. The city is currently enduring one of its most intense May heat spells in recent years. IMD officials have indicated that the current spell is likely to persist over the next few days as hot northerly winds continue to enter Maharashtra.
Cause of Rising Temperatures
IMD scientists attribute the surge in daytime temperatures to a change in wind patterns and the disappearance of weather systems that previously brought moisture into the region. IMD Pune scientist S D Sanap explained, "Over the last week, a trough over the region has moved eastward. As a result, the moisture incursion has significantly reduced, leading to clear sky conditions. This means solar radiation is high on the earth, causing a spike in day temperatures."
Moreover, dry northerly winds originating from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are now dominating weather conditions across western Maharashtra. "The winds, carrying hot air into the region, and the clear skies have influenced temperatures over the city," Sanap added. Weather officials expect temperatures in Pune to remain above 40 degrees Celsius for at least the next four to five days.
Local Temperature Variations
Across Pune, residents experienced intense daytime heat and unusually uncomfortable mornings. Wadgaonsheri registered a daytime temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius, while Magarpatta and Chinchwad hovered around the 41-degree mark on Monday. Hadapsar also crossed the 40-degree threshold. In contrast, the comparatively greener Pashan region remained cooler.
Shivajinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 24.8 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, the season's highest so far and nearly 2.5 degrees higher than the previous day. Several eastern suburbs witnessed oppressive overnight warmth, with Hadapsar recording a minimum of 28.7 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Warnings Issued
Meteorologists have noted that elevated minimum temperatures indicate the region is entering a prolonged hot phase. The IMD has already issued heatwave warnings for parts of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada for May 12 and 13, while Vidarbha is expected to remain under severe heatwave conditions later this week.
On Monday, Akola emerged as the hottest place in Maharashtra with a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius. In north Maharashtra, Nashik city experienced a sharp spike in temperatures, with the maximum soaring to 42 degrees Celsius, the highest in two years. Health complaints are surging as maximum temperatures hover around the 40-degree mark in Kolhapur and across south central Maharashtra.
