Pune Experiences Notable Drop in Night Temperatures, Cool Spell to Continue Briefly
The city of Pune witnessed a significant dip in nighttime temperatures, with Shivajinagar recording a minimum of 14.6°C on Thursday. This marks the lowest reading observed in recent days, signaling a clear cooling trend across the region. Other areas within Pune reported even cooler conditions, notably NDA at 12.1°C, underscoring a gradual decline in nocturnal warmth.
Forecaster Insights on the Cooling Pattern
Independent weather expert Abhijit Modak confirmed that this cooling aligns with earlier predictions. He stated, "The anticipated decrease in minimum temperatures has commenced this week and is projected to persist through the weekend." According to Modak, a feeble western disturbance is introducing northwesterly winds, which are instrumental in driving the cooling effect. He further explained that clearer skies are contributing to the drop in night temperatures.
Modak added, "Minimum temperatures are likely to dip slightly further until Saturday. For western Maharashtra, including Pune, maximum temperatures are expected to hover around 31–32°C, while minimums could fall to 11–13°C around February 27–28." However, he cautioned that this cooler phase will be short-lived. "This is likely the final spell of relatively cooler nights. Post-weekend, temperatures will begin to climb, gradually ushering in summer-like conditions," he noted.
IMD Forecast and Regional Variations
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Pune's minimum temperature will remain around 15°C until March 1, followed by an upward trend. Meteorologists highlighted that the cooling impact is more pronounced in parts of Konkan and north Maharashtra, whereas regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha are expected to see a lesser temperature drop.
IMD predicts a gradual fall of 1–2°C in minimum temperatures over interior Maharashtra during the next three days, succeeded by a gradual rise. In contrast, no significant change in minimum temperatures is anticipated over Gujarat state in the coming week.
Statewide Temperature Trends
Across Maharashtra, maximum temperatures continued to linger below normal in several areas, particularly in Madhya Maharashtra. For instance, Nashik recorded 33.3°C on Thursday, which is over 2°C below the typical range. Conversely, Vidarbha experienced hotter conditions, with Amravati and Brahmapuri reporting temperatures around 36°C, indicating persistent daytime heating in the eastern parts of the state.
In Madhya Maharashtra, most stations registered maximum temperatures between 33–35°C. Solapur reached 36.2°C, while Kolhapur and Sangli remained in the mid-30°Cs. Night temperatures showed a marginal dip in some interior regions, with Nashik recording 14.4°C. In Pune, Shivajinagar's maximum temperature on Thursday was 33.3°C, aligning closely with normal levels, as per IMD data.
Factors Behind the Temperature Shift
Meteorologists attributed the slight decline in minimum temperatures to clearer skies and a shift to drier northwesterly winds, following the passage of a weak western disturbance. This atmospheric change is facilitating the cooling trend observed in Pune and surrounding areas.
