Pune is experiencing its coldest December in ten years, with the city recording an unprecedented 13 days where the mercury plunged below the 10-degree Celsius mark this month. Fresh data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms this prolonged spell of cold weather, highlighting a significant climatic trend.
IMD Data Reveals Stark City-Wide Variations
On Tuesday morning, key areas like Shivajinagar and Pashan once again witnessed single-digit temperatures. The IMD observatory in Shivajinagar registered a minimum of 8.1°C, while Pashan recorded 8.6°C. "Pune has now recorded 13 days of single-digit minimum temperatures this December, indicating prolonged cold conditions," noted an expert from the Vagaries of Weather blog.
However, the chill was not uniform across the metropolis. Other localities reported considerably milder nights:
- Lohegaon: 13.7°C
- Chinchwad: 14.5°C
- Lavale: 16.6°C
- Magarpatta: 15.6°C
- Koregaon Park: 13.3°C
Urban Heat Islands Explain Temperature Divide
IMD scientists attribute this dramatic variation in temperatures directly to urbanisation and distinct land-use patterns. Scientist SD Sanap explained that highly developed zones like Magarpatta and Chinchwad retain more heat. "These areas have more concrete structures and built-up spaces, which retain heat and prevent temperatures from dropping as sharply," Sanap said.
In contrast, the observatory in Shivajinagar is situated on an agricultural college campus. "It has abundant greenery and minimal concrete or road surfaces. This allows for better radiative cooling at night, leading to lower minimums," he added. Similarly, Pashan's characteristics contribute to its cooler readings. Lohegaon's relatively high minimum of 13.7°C is also a result of its extensive concrete coverage creating an urban heat island.
Large Diurnal Range and Upcoming Forecast
The city is also witnessing a remarkable diurnal temperature range—the gap between day and night temperatures. On Tuesday, Shivajinagar saw a maximum of 28.3°C against its low of 8.1°C, a swing of over 20 degrees. Pashan had a high of 27°C, and Lohegaon peaked at 30.3°C.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecast suggests no major change in maximum temperatures over Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada for the next week. However, a gradual fall in minimum temperature by 2-3°C is expected over parts of Maharashtra in the next 48 hours, followed by a slight rise. Specifically, the minimum is very likely to hover between 7-9°C over north interior Maharashtra from December 23 to 25, 2025.
Sanap indicated that a slight increase in minimums in the coming days is due to southeasterly winds, while the effect of colder northerly winds decreases. "The shift in wind patterns will moderate the cold conditions marginally," he stated. This detailed analysis underscores how local geography and urban development critically influence microclimates within a city.
