Pune Records Season's Highest Temperatures as Heatwave Intensifies Across Maharashtra
Day temperatures surged further across Pune on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing heatwave. Both Shivajinagar and Lohegaon weather stations recorded the highest maximum temperatures of the season so far, underscoring a pronounced warming trend that has gripped the city.
Record-Breaking Readings in Pune
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) documented a maximum temperature of 36.8°C in Shivajinagar, which is approximately 2.6 degrees above the normal range for this time of year. Meanwhile, Lohegaon touched 37.7°C, soaring about 3.5 degrees above normal. These figures represent a slight increase from the previous day's recordings, indicating a persistent and intensifying heat pattern across Pune.
Meteorologists have issued warnings that day temperatures in Pune are expected to remain elevated in the near future. An IMD forecast released on Friday predicts that maximum temperatures in the city will likely fluctuate between 36°C and 39°C over the next several days, under predominantly clear-sky conditions.
Widespread Heat Across Maharashtra
The heatwave is not confined to Pune alone; it has spread extensively across Maharashtra. On Friday, several stations reported alarmingly high temperatures:
- Amravati recorded the state's highest temperature at 40.8°C.
- Akola followed closely with 40.7°C.
- Other Vidarbha regions, including Chandrapur at 39.2°C and Nagpur at 38.7°C, also experienced severe heat.
In Madhya Maharashtra, temperatures remained notably high:
- Solapur reached 39.5°C.
- Jalgaon recorded 38.7°C.
- Malegaon touched 37.4°C.
- Sangli and Nashik reported maximum temperatures of 37.4°C and 36.6°C, respectively, reflecting widespread warm conditions across interior districts.
IMD Forecast and Future Projections
According to the IMD, maximum temperatures over interior parts of Maharashtra are projected to rise gradually by 2–3 degrees over the next five to six days. In contrast, north Konkan may experience a temporary decline of 2–4 degrees over the next two days, before temperatures climb again by 2–3 degrees thereafter.
Minimum temperatures are expected to show no major changes over Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada during the next two days, followed by a gradual increase over southern parts of the state. Over Vidarbha, both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain stable with no significant fluctuations over the next seven days, as per IMD officials.
The escalating heatwave highlights the need for residents to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, as temperatures continue to soar across the region.
