Pune, August 17, 2023: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Pune and the surrounding regions from August 18 to 20. This comes as a relief after a dry spell that has been affecting Pune and Maharashtra since the beginning of August.
The lack of rainfall in Pune and across Maharashtra has raised concerns, with the current water deficit posing potential problems for the state in the near future. As of Wednesday, Pune district has received only 52 mm of rainfall, significantly below the normal average of 160.5 mm for this time of the year. The entire Maharashtra state is experiencing a rainfall deficit of 70 percent, with only 44.70 mm of rainfall recorded compared to the normal average of 151.20 mm.
In a tweet, Anupam Kashyapi, the Head of the Weather Forecasting Division, mentioned that a low-pressure system is expected to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal. This system is anticipated to trigger a partial revival of the monsoon over Maharashtra. As a result, the IMD forecasts an increase in rainfall activity, especially over regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Konkan. Thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall are likely between August 18 and 20, prompting the issuance of a yellow alert.
This break in the monsoon comes at a time when the water situation in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad has seen improvement. The key dams supplying water to the area are currently at or above 80 percent of their capacity. Dams like Khadakwasla and Pawana have begun to discharge water as they approach their full capacity, helping to alleviate concerns about water availability in the region.
As the yellow alert period approaches, residents and authorities are advised to stay updated with the weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and preparedness for potential thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
