As April bids farewell, Pune is reeling under the grip of one of the most severe heatwaves witnessed in over a decade, with both daytime and nighttime temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights.
High Temperatures Break Records
Recent data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals that April 2024 has recorded the highest average daytime temperatures since 2013. Simultaneously, the nights have been marked by the second-highest average minimum temperature in at least 11 years, trailing only the scorching heat observed in April 2022.
Heatwave Alerts Across Districts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions across several districts, including Thane, Raigad, Pune, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Nanded, effective from May 1.
Causes of the Heatwave
Experts attribute the blistering temperatures to the compounding effects of climate change and the urban heat island phenomena. The expansive concrete jungle of urban areas like Pune, intensified by rapid urbanization, absorbs and retains heat, offering minimal respite even after sundown. Regions such as Wadgaonsheri and Lohegaon are notably vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, although comprehensive long-term temperature data for these areas is lacking.
Insight from Experts
Gurudas Nulkar, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, highlighted, “The city’s extensive hardscapes, adorned with tar, concrete, and paver blocks, accumulate heat during the day, gradually releasing it into the atmosphere as the evening unfolds. The prevalence of dark facades and glass-clad buildings exacerbates this effect, compounded by traffic congestion during peak hours.”
Dr. Medha Khole, Head of the Weather Forecasting Division at IMD Pune, pointed to heightened humidity and cloud cover as contributing factors to the elevated nighttime temperatures. “Increased humidity and cloud cover obstruct the dissipation of long-wave radiation into space, resulting in nocturnal temperature spikes,” Dr. Khole explained. She further noted that the decrease in cloud cover has also led to higher maximum temperatures.
Absence of Rainfall
Dr. Khole addressed the absence of rainfall despite the presence of cloud cover, emphasizing the lack of atmospheric moisture necessary for precipitation. “The available moisture only culminated in the formation of low to medium clouds, failing to yield rainfall but instead adding to the discomfort among residents,” she added.
Alarming Nighttime Temperatures
Certain parts of Pune witnessed nighttime temperatures soaring to 27-28°C, several degrees above the seasonal norm, according to Dr. Khole.
Urgent Calls for Action
As the city grapples with the relentless heat, citizens are reminded of TS Eliot’s poignant words, “April is the cruellest month,” from “The Waste Land.” Urgent measures are imperative to alleviate the impacts of escalating temperatures and avert the transformation of Pune into an uninhabitable expanse.
