Pune residents can finally look forward to a break from the unseasonal October heatwave, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to isolated heavy rainfall in the city and its surroundings on October 15 and 16. The relief comes as a western disturbance is expected to traverse the North Indian region, affecting weather patterns in Maharashtra and several other states in the country.
Anupam Kashyapi, the head of the weather and forecasting division at IMD Pune, outlined the forthcoming changes, stating, “Under the influence of a western disturbance, the weather will start changing in Maharashtra, including Pune, from the evening of October 14. The city and its surrounding areas can expect cloudy weather and, on October 15 and 16, the region is likely to experience light to isolated heavy rainfall. Similar weather conditions are forecasted for other parts of the state.”
The pending rainfall is seen as a welcome development by the city, which has endured uncharacteristically high temperatures for the month of October. With maximum temperatures exceeding the normal levels by 2-3 degrees Celsius, Punekars have been experiencing the heatwave for over a week.
The meteorological department has issued a cautionary advisory to citizens, urging them to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the severe heat. The recent weather trends were expected to persist in the absence of external influences.
However, the anticipated formation of a western disturbance around October 13 is expected to provide relief to not only Pune but also various regions across India. This disturbance is predicted to have a significant influence in the Himalayan region and northwestern states like Punjab and Rajasthan. Its effects are likely to extend to parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, leading to rainfall in select areas of these states.
The formation of a western disturbance during the post-monsoon withdrawal phase is a regular occurrence and carries certain benefits. For instance, it contributes to abundant snowfall in regions like the Himalayas. Additionally, it ushers cool winds into the state of Maharashtra, thereby leading to a gradual reduction in temperature.
As a result, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra can expect a much-needed respite from the unseasonal October heat, bringing relief to the city’s residents and a touch of freshness to the autumn air.
