Maharashtra Heatwave: Pune's Uncomfortable Nights and Rising Day Temperatures
Night temperatures have persisted above normal levels across various parts of Maharashtra over the past few days, leading to increasing discomfort, particularly in the city of Pune. Daytime temperatures have also been elevated, contributing to a sweltering atmosphere that has residents seeking relief.
Record Highs and Elevated Minimums
On February 23, Shivajinagar in Pune recorded a maximum temperature of 34.5°C, while Lohegaon experienced even hotter conditions at 36.3°C. Night temperatures remained high, with minimums ranging between 17°C and 18°C in Shivajinagar and reaching up to 21°C in Lohegaon in recent days. Although some areas of the state, including parts of Vidarbha and Madhya Maharashtra, reported lower readings on Tuesday, nights in several cities were still warmer than usual, with rainfall also occurring in some regions.
Combined Effects of Heat and Humidity
The combination of high maximum temperatures, elevated minimum temperatures, and relatively high humidity has created uncomfortable conditions, especially during late afternoons and early evenings. On Tuesday, relative humidity in Pune was as high as 63% to 75% in the morning hours. While a private forecaster reported Pune's maximum temperature at 32°C on Tuesday, the real feel was approximately 34°C due to factors like high humidity, light winds, and strong solar radiation. High moisture levels reduce the body's ability to cool itself through sweat evaporation, and direct sunlight adds to the heat load, making conditions feel hotter than the actual air temperature.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the day temperature in Shivajinagar on Tuesday was 33°C, with a minimum of 15°C. In contrast, Lohegaon recorded a minimum temperature of 19.8°C and a day temperature of 35.3°C.
Forecast and Expert Insights
Based on IMD's latest forecast, there may be no significant change in maximum temperatures over Maharashtra during the next two days. After that, a gradual rise of 2–3°C is expected over the subsequent five days. However, some respite is likely on the night-time front, with minimum temperatures anticipated to fall after Wednesday.
Independent weather forecaster Abhijit Modak noted that the current warmth in February is not unusual. He explained that temperatures typically begin rising in the second half of February, and in the absence of any active western disturbance 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, he added.
Modak predicted a brief dip in temperatures from Thursday to Saturday as easterly winds shift to northwesterlies following the passage of a feeble western disturbance in north India. This change will bring drier winds and clearer skies. Maximum temperatures, currently around 33–34°C, may fall to 31–32°C, while minimum temperatures, now around 15°C, could drop to around 12°C in Pune. This cooling will 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, said Modak.
IMD Official Statement
An IMD official stated 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 because of 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 explained.
