Pune residents woke up to the coldest morning of the season on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as the mercury took a sharp dive across the district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a chilling low of 6.9 degrees Celsius in Haveli, marking the season's record so far.
District-Wide Chill Grips the City
The intense cold wave was not confined to a single area. Weather stations across Pune reported uniformly low readings, plunging many parts into single-digit temperatures. In the city, Shivajinagar recorded a minimum of 8.1°C, while Pashan saw 7.3°C. Other notable readings included 7.3°C in Malin, 7.6°C in Baramati, 8.3°C in Talegaon, 8.5°C in Daund, and 9.8°C in Ambegaon.
However, a few localities experienced relatively warmer conditions. Areas like Lavale, Koregaon Park, Magarpatta, and Chinchwad witnessed morning temperatures ranging between a more moderate 12.4°C to 15.3°C.
Expert Explains the Sudden Temperature Drop
Former head of weather forecasting at IMD, Anupam Kashyapi, explained the meteorological reasons behind the sudden chill. He stated that a change in wind patterns was responsible. "I had expected a fall in night temperature till December 20 due to a change in wind pattern. The Northerly wind was blowing into Maharashtra via North and Central India. With a clear sky, ensuring that there were no clouds to trap the heat, the nighttime temperature began to fall rapidly," he said.
Kashyapi provided hope for those struggling with the cold, adding, "Now, with the wind changing from December 21, we are likely to see an increase in the night temperature again."
Warmer Days and Health Advisory Ahead
The fluctuating temperatures have led to a spike in common winter ailments, with many people reporting sore throats, colds, and coughs. Meanwhile, the air quality has also been variable. On Saturday, Pune's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 171, which falls under the 'moderate' category.
Residents can look forward to some relief as per the latest forecast. The IMD has predicted a steady rise in the minimum temperature over the coming days. It is likely to increase to 12°C on December 24 and further to 13°C on Christmas morning. Daytime will also become warmer, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 31°C on December 23.
