The anticipated winter chill in Pune has taken an unexpected break, with cyclonic activity over the Bay of Bengal leading to a noticeable rise in both day and night temperatures across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms that cyclones Senyar and Ditwah have disrupted the flow of cold northerly winds, ushering in a phase of marginally warmer weather as December begins.
From Cold Wave Alerts to Warmer Days
Until mid-November, Pune was steadily cooling down, with residents unpacking their woollens. The weather was on track for a characteristically cold winter, so much so that the IMD had even issued a cold wave alert for isolated parts of the state, including Pune, around that time. However, a significant shift occurred as the week progressed.
On November 28, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 15°C. Areas like Lohegaon and Lavale experienced even warmer conditions, with the mercury touching 31°C. This warming trend is expected to continue, with the IMD predicting that the minimum temperature will reach 17°C by December 3 and 4, accompanied by a maximum of around 32°C.
The Cyclonic Influence on Pune's Climate
The primary reason for this sudden change in weather patterns is cyclonic activity. Cyclone Senyar, which developed earlier, played a key role by blocking the cold northerly winds that typically bring chill to the region. Furthermore, a partly cloudy sky helped trap the sun's heat, leading to a direct increase in night-time temperatures.
Data illustrates this sharp rise: the night temperature climbed from 9.4°C on November 18 and 19 to 11°C on November 20. Similarly, daytime warmth increased from 27.9°C on November 18 to 29.7°C on November 20.
Ditwah's Continuing Impact
Although Cyclone Senyar has weakened and moved away, its effect is being sustained by Cyclone Ditwah. This new weather system intensified into a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal and is now influencing Pune's climate.
Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting at IMD, stated, "It is likely to be partly cloudy in Pune, with the night temperature likely to rise marginally on November 29 and 30." He attributed this marginal rise in night temperature to moisture incursion associated with Cyclone Ditwah.
Kashyapi added that Cyclone Ditwah is expected to move north-northwestwards, potentially reaching North Tamil Nadu and South-Central Andhra Pradesh by November 30. This movement could also bring isolated light rainfall to districts in South Maharashtra and Vidarbha.
While the skies over Pune are expected to remain mainly clear during the weekend, the onset of December is likely to bring partly cloudy conditions, keeping the warmer weather in place for the first few days of the month.
