Pune, April 29, 2024: With summer tightening its grip, Pune finds itself in the throes of a heatwave, as temperatures skyrocket to unprecedented levels, marking the hottest day of the season thus far. Koregaon Park and Wadgaonsheri bore the brunt of the scorching sun, recording blistering highs of 43.3°C and 43°C respectively on Sunday, prompting residents to seek respite from the sweltering heat.
These soaring temperatures mirrored the scorching 43.7°C recorded in Solapur, earning it the distinction of being the hottest place in the state on that day. The heatwave’s grasp extended across western and north Maharashtra, with temperatures in the Marathwada region hovering between 41°C and 43°C.
In contrast, the Vidarbha region, known for its intense summers, experienced relatively cooler temperatures, with exceptions in Konkan, including Mumbai and Goa. Pune, however, bore the brunt of the heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department’s weather station in Chinchwad registering a scalding 42.9°C. Other areas in the city witnessed similar blistering conditions, with Hadapsar reaching 42.7°C, Magarpatta at 41.9°C, and Lohegaon at 41.7°C.
Talegaon Dhamdhere, nestled in the Pune district, recorded the highest temperature at a searing 43.4°C, exacerbating discomfort for locals. The prevailing weather conditions, characterized by an anti-cyclonic circulation over the state combined with hot northerly winds, are forecasted to persist for the next four to five days, according to IMD officials.
Despite the scorching temperatures, the IMD refrained from declaring a heatwave for the city, citing a deviation in maximum temperature falling short of the required range. Nevertheless, a precautionary advisory was issued on Sunday, cautioning residents to prepare for the relentless heat.
The urban landscape, dominated by concrete structures and towering apartments, exacerbates the heat, contributing to rising mercury levels. IMD officials offered little solace, predicting no respite in the form of rain in the near future.
Across the state, cities like Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik, Aurangabad, Parbhani, and Nanded echoed Pune’s plight, with temperatures soaring well above the comfort threshold. Authorities urge residents to exercise caution, advising against outdoor activities during peak daytime hours and stressing the importance of staying hydrated.
“Venturing outdoors during these extreme conditions can prove perilous,” cautioned an official, urging residents to prioritize their health and safety above all else.
