As April draws to a close, Pune residents are preparing for a surge in temperatures, with both maximum and minimum readings hovering above normal levels throughout the month. According to experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to witness a further rise in temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius over the next four to five days.
Consistent Above-Normal Temperatures
Since the onset of April, Pune has experienced temperatures exceeding the seasonal average, a trend that is anticipated to persist as the month concludes. Both maximum and minimum temperatures have consistently remained elevated, signaling the likelihood of a warmer conclusion to April.
In a recent tweet, KS Hisalikar, the head of Climate Research and Services at IMD, Pune, highlighted the projected temperature increase for Maharashtra and parts of Central India in the coming days.
Vineet Kumar, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), echoed these findings, citing forecasts of temperatures reaching 42-45 degrees Celsius in Maharashtra by April 30 and May 1. Specifically, the Shivajinagar area in Pune is expected to peak at 41 degrees Celsius between April 28 and 30.
Recent Temperature Trends
Over the past 24 hours, Pune has witnessed a marginal increase in temperatures, with the maximum reading in Shivajinagar climbing from 38.5 degrees Celsius on April 24 to 39.5 degrees Celsius on April 25. Similarly, the minimum temperature in the city has remained above normal, registering at 22.9 degrees Celsius on April 25.
Weather Patterns and Outlook
Presently, a cyclonic wind circulation prevails over Marathwada and adjacent Central Maharashtra, accompanied by two trough lines crossing the state, particularly Central and South Maharashtra. These weather conditions may lead to isolated rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning activities, across various parts of Maharashtra, including Pune.
Forecasters anticipate a partly cloudy sky and isolated rainfall in Pune on April 25 and 26, further contributing to the dynamic weather patterns.
Looking ahead, Vaishali Khobragade, a senior meteorologist at IMD, Pune, predicts a continued rise in temperatures over the next four to five days.
Hottest Areas in April
Notably, this April has witnessed the highest average maximum temperature in Pune since 2013, with an average of 39.4 degrees Celsius. Areas such as Magarpatta and Hadapsar have recorded particularly high temperatures, with an average reading of 38.8 degrees Celsius between April 1 and April 24, according to IMD data. Other regions like Koregaon Park, Wadgaonsheri, and NDA have also experienced above-normal temperatures, underscoring the widespread heatwave conditions prevalent across the district.
