Maximum temperatures across several parts of Maharashtra remained above normal on Saturday, even as Pune experienced a marginal decline compared to the previous week. In Pune, Shivajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.3 degrees above normal, while Lohegaon logged 40.8 degrees Celsius, nearly four degrees above normal.
Heatwave Conditions Persist Across State
Elsewhere in Maharashtra, heatwave-like conditions continued unabated. Solapur recorded 43.3 degrees Celsius, Jalgaon 43 degrees Celsius, and Malegaon 42.6 degrees Celsius. The Vidarbha region remained the worst affected, with Amravati and Wardha emerging as the hottest locations at a scorching 46 degrees Celsius. Akola recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius, while Yavatmal touched 45.2 degrees Celsius.
IMD Forecast for Pune
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune is likely to experience partly cloudy skies on Sunday, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 38 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. IMD scientist S.D. Sanap stated that temperatures in Pune would see only minor variations in the coming days. “Day temperatures will hover around 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, followed by a gradual dip of one to two degrees. No significant changes are expected,” he said.
Rainfall Outlook
The IMD’s five-day forecast indicates chances of light rain and thundershowers in parts of coastal Maharashtra, the ghats, and isolated areas of Pune district. However, Pune city is unlikely to receive rainfall. “Conditions are not favourable for pre-monsoon rain over interior Maharashtra. While coastal areas may see some thundershowers, rain activity is unlikely in interior regions due to the weakening of the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal,” Sanap explained. He added that north Maharashtra, Marathwada, and other interior regions were also unlikely to see rainfall in the immediate future.
Monsoon Progress
On the progress of the monsoon, the scientist said it was too early to speculate on Maharashtra's onset date. “We can speak with more confidence only around five to seven days before the actual onset,” he noted.
