Pune continued to experience scorching heat on Sunday, with maximum temperatures in several areas surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, marking the season's highest so far. Koregaon Park recorded the highest temperature at 42.9 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Lohegaon at 42.7 degrees Celsius, Shivajinagar at 41.8 degrees Celsius, Chinchwad at 41.2 degrees Celsius, Magarpatta at 40.9 degrees Celsius, and Lavale at 40.5 degrees Celsius. Relatively cooler areas such as NDA also reported a high of 39.3 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies for Pune over the next 48 hours, with afternoon cloud cover and a possibility of light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. The city is likely to see a gradual decrease in temperature by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next four to five days.
Weather Conditions Impacting Maharashtra
A senior IMD official stated that several weather conditions are affecting the state's temperatures, including an anti-cyclonic circulation in the lower and middle tropospheric levels over interior Maharashtra and neighboring areas. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in interior Maharashtra are expected to range between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Meanwhile, a heatwave persists in Vidarbha, with orange alerts issued for Akola, Amravati, and Wardha, and yellow alerts for Nagpur and Chandrapur. Hot and humid conditions are warned for coastal areas like Mumbai and Palghar. Although dry weather will prevail across most of the state, isolated thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour are expected in districts such as Sangli, Solapur, and Latur on Monday.
Health Advisory and Precautions
The IMD has warned that temperatures are likely to remain above normal, posing moderate health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. People are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose cotton clothes, and cover their heads with a cloth, hat, or umbrella when outdoors.
Public Concerns
Residents have expressed concerns over the heat. Bavdhan resident Bhakti Joshi said, "Many schools are open despite the increase in heat. The authorities should instruct these institutions to close for now so that children are not exposed to high temperatures."
Manasi Kulkarni, a resident of Kothrud, added, "High temperatures are not just a problem for humans, but also for animals and birds. Arrangements should be made at public places to provide water and food to these creatures."
Tanvi Joshi of Satara road said, "Water supply has become a major concern in our area. The demand has gone up due to increased heat, but the supply is not adequate. The scorching heat is worse amid such a situation."
