Pune and Maharashtra Experience Scorching Heat as Temperatures Reach Seasonal Peaks
Daytime temperatures soared to the highest levels of the season in Pune and several regions of Maharashtra on Thursday, driven by clear skies and weak winds that pushed the mercury upward across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported significant temperature anomalies, with many areas recording readings well above normal.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across Key Locations
In Pune, the main weather observatory at Shivajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 36°C, which is approximately 1.8° above the normal range for this time of year. Meanwhile, Lohegaon witnessed an even higher reading of 37.6°C, nearly 3.4° above normal. Other monitoring stations in the city also reported elevated temperatures, with Chinchwad logging 36.2°C and Lavale reaching 36.9°C.
Relative humidity levels dropped sharply during the day, contributing to the dry and warm conditions. At Shivajinagar, humidity fell to 18%, while Lohegaon experienced levels as low as 10%, exacerbating the heat sensation.
Statewide Heatwave Conditions
The heat was not confined to Pune alone. Across Madhya Maharashtra and Vidarbha, temperatures remained exceptionally high. Solapur recorded 38.8°C, Sangli 37.5°C, and Malegaon 37°C. In Vidarbha, Amravati emerged as the hottest place in the entire state at 39.8°C, followed closely by Akola at 39.5°C, Wardha at 39.1°C, Brahmapuri at 39°C, and Chandrapur at 38.5°C.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Heat Surge
Meteorologists have linked the rising temperatures to an anticyclonic circulation covering Gujarat, parts of Madhya Maharashtra, and the adjoining Arabian Sea. This weather system is creating stable atmospheric conditions that suppress cloud formation and keep skies clear.
"An anticyclonic circulation over a large region including Gujarat and parts of Madhya Maharashtra is influencing the weather. Such systems lead to subsidence of air, which suppresses cloud formation and keeps the skies clear," explained SD Sanap, a scientist at IMD Pune.
Sanap added that light winds and sinking air are also contributing to the heating phenomenon. "Wind speeds are currently low and there is clear sky associated with this anticyclonic circulation. These factors together are causing temperatures to rise," he noted.
Forecast and Future Outlook
According to the IMD's latest forecast, daytime temperatures in Pune could increase by another 1-2° in the coming days, with maximum temperatures likely to approach around 39°C. While the department has not officially forecast 40°C for the city, officials acknowledged that the possibility cannot be completely ruled out.
"We have not given a forecast of 40°C at present. But we are monitoring the situation closely," Sanap stated, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Delayed Seasonal Heat Build-Up
Despite the current heatwave, weather observers noted that the arrival of 36°C temperatures in Pune this year has been relatively delayed. According to an expert from the independent weather blog Vagaries of Weather, Thursday marked one of the latest occurrences of the first 36°C day in March for Pune since 2022, indicating a slightly slower seasonal build-up of heat compared to previous years.
Coastal Areas Also Affected
The heat surge extended to the Konkan coast as well. Mumbai's Santacruz observatory recorded 38.9°C on Thursday—nearly 5.9° above normal—making it the highest temperature recorded there so far this year. This highlights the widespread nature of the current weather pattern affecting multiple regions of Maharashtra.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, and monitoring weather updates from official sources. The IMD continues to track the situation and will provide further updates as conditions evolve.
