Pune experienced an unexpected turn in weather conditions on Tuesday as light rainfall, haze, and cloudy skies took center stage throughout the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for visibility threats over the next 48 hours, advising caution for drivers during this period. Wednesday is expected to bring maximum temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures hovering at approximately 17 degrees Celsius.
As clouds started forming over Maharashtra on Monday night, several regions, including Pune city, witnessed light rainfall on Tuesday. A noticeable drop in daytime temperatures, coupled with dense fog and chilly weather, prevailed in many areas due to a significant influx of moisture into the city. Humidity levels reached between 92% and 100% in various locations.
Shivajinagar reported the lowest rainfall at 1.6 mm, while Magarpatta registered the highest at 13 mm, followed by Chinchwad at 6 mm, and Pashan at 2 mm. This marks the first instance of January rainfall in Pune in three years, with the last recorded rainfall of 37 mm in January 2021.
Weather in Pune on Tuesday: Tuesday witnessed a notable drop of 6 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures. According to IMD data, Shivajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 24.8 degrees Celsius, compared to the 30.2 degrees Celsius recorded on December 8. Similar temperature reductions were observed in other areas, ranging between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius.
While daytime temperatures experienced a significant decline, the minimum temperature in the city surged, with Shivajinagar recording 18.3 degrees Celsius, 7.2 degrees Celsius above the normal average. Other city areas reported minimum temperatures ranging between 19 and 22 degrees Celsius. The air quality, as recorded by SAFAR-IITM, was categorized as ‘moderate.’
Why is it raining in Pune? Anupam Kashyapi, Head of the Weather Forecasting Division at IMD Pune, explained the weather phenomenon, attributing it to a western disturbance and south-southeasterly winds from the Bay of Bengal. These atmospheric conditions are causing medium cloud formation over Maharashtra, leading to light to very light rainfall in isolated places across the state. ”At the same time, south-southeasterly winds from the Bay of Bengal which are relatively warm are blowing over the west-central part of the country, and opposite wind interactions are taking place over Madhya Pradesh and the adjoining areas resulting in medium cloud formation over Maharashtra,” Anupam Kashyapi added as quoted by The Hindustan Times.
The current weather pattern, characterized by light rainfall, fog, and cloudy skies, is anticipated to persist for another 24 hours. Starting January 11, a gradual reduction in cloudy weather is expected, with clear skies forecasted for January 12. During this period, the influence of northern cool winds may result in a drop in minimum temperatures across the state, although single-digit temperatures in Pune are not anticipated until January 15.
Weather in Pune during the upcoming days: Air Quality Index (AQI) improved following the rainfall, with SAFAR-IITM recording the city’s air quality in the “moderate category.” While seven areas reported a “moderate” level of air quality with a yellow warning, Kothrud, Pashan, and Alandi registered “satisfactory” air quality, according to the AQI.
