Rising Mercury Levels Spark Concerns Among Residents and Authorities
Pune, Maharashtra: The onset of summer has brought scorching temperatures to Pune, Maharashtra, with the city experiencing heatwave-like conditions that have left residents and authorities on high alert. As the mercury climbs above normal levels, areas such as Shivajinagar and Lavale have recorded staggering temperatures, intensifying discomfort for the populace.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a health advisory urging citizens to take precautionary measures in light of the prevailing weather conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), various parts of Pune, including Pashan, Lohegaon, and Magarpatta, have witnessed temperatures surpassing the seasonal average, with Lavale emerging as the hotspot, registering a scorching 40.9°C.
Notably, nighttime temperatures have also surged, with Shivajinagar experiencing a minimum temperature of 18.6°C, indicating warmer nights for residents. Rising humidity levels during nighttime have compounded the discomfort, exacerbating the heatwave conditions gripping the city.
The IMD’s forecast predicts above-normal temperatures for Maharashtra, attributing the phenomenon to active El Nino conditions. The latter half of March is expected to witness a further uptick in both minimum and maximum temperatures. While no active weather systems currently prevail over Maharashtra, the presence of a trough line between Vidarbha and south interior Karnataka, coupled with an approaching western disturbance impacting north India, may contribute to heightened moisture levels and exacerbate the prevailing heat.
In response to these climate challenges, academic institutions such as the Symbiosis School of Economics and the Symbiosis Centre for Urban Studies have taken proactive steps to address climate change issues. A recent interactive session on ‘local action for climate change in Pune city’ underscored the significance of citizen engagement in urban governance and emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts to enhance the city’s resilience against climate stressors.
As Pune grapples with soaring temperatures, concerted efforts by authorities, citizens, and academic institutions assume paramount importance in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and safeguarding the well-being of the city’s populace.
