IMD Predicts Light Rainfall as Punekars Get Temporary Respite from High Nighttime Temperatures
Pune residents can breathe a sigh of relief as nighttime temperatures in the city return to normal levels, offering a much-needed break from the recent heatwave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light rainfall on April 7 and 8, providing further relief to residents amidst the sweltering conditions.
Over the past week, Pune has endured scorching temperatures, with nighttime temperatures soaring significantly above normal. On March 29, Shivajinagar recorded a nighttime temperature of 23.4 degrees Celsius, a staggering 6.1 degrees above normal. Areas like Koregaon Park and Wadgaon Sheri experienced temperatures between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius.
However, a welcome change occurred on April 2, as nighttime temperatures dropped by three to four degrees Celsius across the city. Shivajinagar recorded a temperature of 18.9 degrees Celsius, with similar decreases observed in Koregaon Park and Magarpatta.
Shilpa Apte, senior meteorologist at IMD Pune, attributed the temperature drop to a trough line stretching from south Tamil Nadu to east Vidarbha via Karnataka and Marathwada. Apte forecasts dry weather for the next three days with a gradual two-degree Celsius increase in maximum temperatures. Light rainfall is expected in various regions of Maharashtra between April 5 and 8, offering temporary relief from the heat.
Looking ahead, Apte anticipates a decrease of one to two degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures, although daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in the next 48 hours.
Vineet Kumar, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, highlighted the potential for rain on April 7 to 8 based on the latest IMD-GFS model forecast. Until then, Punekars can expect temperatures to hover between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius.
