The bustling city of Pune is gearing up for a significant weather change as it anticipates a four degrees Celsius drop in temperature over the next 24 hours. The shift is attributed to the arrival of cool winds from the northern states, creating a brief cold spell that is expected to persist until February 9. However, relief is on the horizon as warm winds from the southeastern part of the country are predicted to bring a gradual increase in temperatures thereafter.
Shilpa Apte, a senior meteorologist from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Pune, explained that the western disturbance originating in northern India has shifted slightly eastward, forming an induced cyclonic circulation over northwest Rajasthan and adjoining Pakistan.
“The presence of strong jet streams over northern India has increased humidity in Maharashtra. This, in turn, led to temperatures rising above normal levels in many areas of the state. However, starting from February 5, the state is expected to receive cool winds from the north, resulting in a significant reduction in minimum temperatures,” Apte stated.
Clear skies are forecasted for Pune in the coming days as the city welcomes cool winds from the northern states. Apte predicts a notable drop of four degrees Celsius in the minimum temperature, providing residents with a taste of winter.
After a brief cold spell lasting four to five days, a change in wind direction is expected on February 9. Warm winds from the southeastern part of the country will make their presence felt in Pune and Maharashtra, leading to a marginal increase in temperatures. IMD’s monthly weather forecast suggests that, despite the temporary chill, above-normal temperatures are likely for most of February.
Experts believe that this cold spell could be the last in the state for the season. The prevailing El Niño condition over India is expected to keep temperatures from dropping significantly, maintaining them on the higher side of normal.
On a recent Sunday, Pune recorded a minimum temperature of 14.1 degrees Celsius in Shivajinagar, while the maximum temperature reached 33.5 degrees Celsius. Both temperatures were above normal by 2.5 degrees Celsius. Notably, while most of the state is experiencing above-normal temperatures, the Vidarbha division is witnessing a drop in minimum temperatures, with some areas recording levels below normal. Buldhana recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 11.3 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz, Mumbai, registered the highest at 35.7 degrees Celsius.
