Pune News : As the scorching sun beats down relentlessly, Pune and several districts in central Maharashtra are grappling with soaring temperatures, marking an early onset of summer heat. According to reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune recorded a blistering 40.8 degrees Celsius, making it the third-warmest April since 2013.
Key Highlights:
- Rising Mercury: With moisture incursion from both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, many regions in central Maharashtra are witnessing a spike in temperature. Pune, in particular, registered a sweltering 40.8 degrees Celsius, marking a significant rise in the mercury levels. Areas across the city, including Wadgaonsheri, experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with the highest recorded temperature standing at 42.9 degrees Celsius.
- Historical Warmth: Shivajinagar recorded its highest temperature of the season on April 14, reaching 39.9 degrees Celsius. IMD data for the first two weeks of April reveals that this year’s April temperatures rank as the third-warmest since 2013. With an average highest temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius from April 1 to 14, the city grapples with an early onslaught of intense heat.
- Weather Dynamics: High temperatures, coupled with moisture incursion and local instability, have fueled the development of cumulus clouds, subsequently leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. This atmospheric phenomenon has brought about thunder, lightning, and sporadic drizzles in various parts of the city.
- Nighttime Warmth: The rising temperatures are not confined to daylight hours alone. On April 15, nighttime temperatures witnessed a significant uptick, with Shivajinagar recording a minimum temperature of 22.2 degrees Celsius. Other areas such as Pashan, Lohegaon, and Magarpatta reported minimum temperatures ranging from 22.5 to 27.3 degrees Celsius, highlighting the persistence of warmth even after dusk.
Monsoon Forecast:
While Maharashtra swelters under the scorching summer sun, the IMD has issued a forecast indicating above-normal rainfall during the upcoming southwest monsoon season from June to September. The probability forecast map underscores the likelihood of above-normal rainfall across various regions of Maharashtra, particularly in Konkan, south Maharashtra, and parts of central Maharashtra.
Explaining the forecast, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of IMD, emphasized that despite current moderate El Niño conditions, climate models indicate a transition to neutral conditions by the onset of the monsoon season, followed by La Niña conditions in the latter half. Additionally, the forecast hints at the development of positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions during the monsoon season, further bolstering the prospects of abundant rainfall.
Looking Ahead:
As Pune and central Maharashtra brace themselves for relentless heatwaves, the anticipation of a bountiful monsoon season offers a glimmer of hope. With IMD’s ongoing monitoring and forecasts, stakeholders remain vigilant, preparing for the dynamic weather patterns that lie ahead. As the mercury continues its upward trajectory, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to beat the heat and stay safe amidst the sweltering temperatures.
