Pune residents woke up to a severe chill on Friday morning as the city recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the year 2026. The mercury plunged to a brisk 8.4 degrees Celsius at the Shivajinagar observatory, marking a significant drop from the 13.5 degrees Celsius noted on the first day of January.
A Notable Dip Across the City
This sharp decline in temperature was not confined to a single location. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the Pashan area also felt the intense cold, with the minimum temperature settling at 8.3 degrees Celsius. This represents a substantial fall from the 13 degrees Celsius recorded there at the start of the year.
Interestingly, the cold wave made its presence felt even in parts of Pune known for their relatively warmer microclimates. Areas like Magarpatta and Chinchwad, which typically experience milder nights, saw their temperatures drop noticeably. On Friday morning, Magarpatta recorded 15.3 degrees Celsius, while Chinchwad reported 14.2 degrees Celsius. This is a stark contrast to the much warmer readings of 17.8 and 17.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, observed on New Year's morning.
Expert Insight on the Weather Phenomenon
Anupam Kashyapi, former head of IMD's weather forecasting department, provided clarity on the meteorological conditions driving this cold spell. He attributed the dip to an anticyclone wind pattern situated over Central India. This system is channeling cold northerly winds into Maharashtra through the Northeast Vidarbha region.
"The presence of a clear sky leads to a drop in night temperature," Kashyapi explained. He added that while these single-digit minimums are expected to persist for the next 24 hours, a formal cold wave is unlikely. He advised residents to take necessary precautions against the cold, noting the possibility of shallow fog or mist in isolated areas.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Friday's temperature of 8.4°C finds a place in Pune's recent weather history. Data from the last decade shows that the minimum temperature in the city has touched the 8-degree mark on January 9 on three previous occasions: in 2015, 2019, and 2023. The contrast with last year is particularly striking, as the city experienced a much warmer 18.2 degrees Celsius on the same date in 2025.
For those enduring the morning shivers, relief is on the horizon. The IMD has issued a weather bulletin forecasting a gradual rise in minimum temperatures over the coming week. While Saturday is likely to remain cold with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, a warming trend is expected to set in. The forecast predicts the minimum temperature could reach around 12 degrees Celsius by January 14.
