Maharashtra Grapples with Unseasonal Heat as Temperatures Climb
Residents across Maharashtra, particularly in Pune, are facing growing discomfort as both night and day temperatures have remained above normal in recent days. This persistent warmth is disrupting daily life and raising concerns about early summer conditions.
Record Highs in Pune: Day and Night Temperatures Soar
On February 23, Shivajinagar in Pune recorded a maximum temperature of 34.5°C, while Lohegaon was even hotter at 36.3°C. Night temperatures have also stayed elevated, with minimums ranging between 17°C and 18°C in Shivajinagar and touching 21°C in Lohegaon over the past few days.
Although some areas in Vidarbha and Madhya Maharashtra reported a slight dip in minimum temperatures on Tuesday, many cities continued to experience warmer-than-usual nights, accompanied by sporadic rainfall in certain parts.
Humidity and Heat Combine for Uncomfortable Conditions
The combination of high maximum temperatures, elevated minimums, and relatively high humidity has created particularly uncomfortable conditions, especially during late afternoons and early evenings. On Tuesday, relative humidity in Pune ranged from 63% to 75% in the morning hours.
According to a private forecaster, Pune's maximum temperature was 32°C on Tuesday, but the "real feel" reached around 34°C due to factors like high humidity, light winds, and strong solar radiation. High moisture levels impair the body's ability to cool through sweat evaporation, while direct sunlight adds to the heat load, making it feel hotter than the actual air temperature.
IMD Data and Forecast: A Mixed Outlook
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shivajinagar recorded a day temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 15°C on Tuesday. Lohegaon, on the other hand, reported a minimum of 19.8°C and a day temperature of 35.3°C.
The IMD's latest forecast indicates no significant change in maximum temperatures over Maharashtra for the next two days. Subsequently, a gradual rise of 2–3°C is expected over the following five days. However, some relief is anticipated on the night-time front, with minimum temperatures likely to fall after Wednesday.
Expert Insights: Understanding the Weather Patterns
Independent weather forecaster Abhijit Modak explained that the current warmth in February is not unusual. Temperatures typically begin rising in the second half of the month, and in the absence of active western disturbances affecting Maharashtra, maximum temperatures of 33–34°C are common.
"While night temperatures are running above normal due to the absence of western disturbances since January, maximum temperatures are not significantly above average for this time of year. However, minimum temperatures are also above normal because of cloudy conditions and higher moisture content," Modak added.
Temporary Relief and Future Projections
Modak predicted a brief dip in temperatures from Thursday to Saturday as easterly winds shift to northwesterlies following a feeble western disturbance in north India. This change will bring drier winds and clearer skies, potentially lowering maximum temperatures from 33–34°C to 31–32°C and minimum temperatures from around 15°C to 12°C in Pune.
This cooling is expected to be temporary, lasting three to four days, after which temperatures will rise again. Post-Holi, Pune could see temperatures touching 36°C, marking the onset of more typical summer conditions.
IMD Official Comments on Weather Patterns
An IMD official noted that Pune is likely to experience partly cloudy skies over the next two days, followed by clearer conditions, which could lead to a drop in minimum temperatures by 1–2°C.
"The current cloudy weather is due to continuous moisture supply from southeasterly winds. Rainfall activity has mainly been recorded over south Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha. A trough in the upper-level westerlies is also contributing to rainfall over the Vidarbha region," the official said.
