Winter Tightens Grip on Pune as Temperatures Plummet
The India Meteorological Department has confirmed that Pune is experiencing a significant temperature drop, with the city recording its coldest night of the season on Tuesday. The minimum temperature touched 13.4 degrees Celsius, marking a noticeable departure from normal seasonal patterns.
According to weather officials, this colder trend is expected to continue through the week. The IMD forecasts temperatures around 13°C for both Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a slight increase to 14°C on Friday. The mercury is expected to rise by another degree or two over the subsequent days, but the chill will persist.
Temperature Variations Across Pune Region
The cold wave has affected different parts of Pune unevenly. Meteorological data reveals that Pashan emerged as the coldest location in the region with temperatures dropping to 13.1°C. In contrast, areas including Chinchwad, Lohegaon, and Lavale experienced relatively higher minimum temperatures hovering around 16°C.
This temperature pattern highlights the microclimatic variations within the Pune metropolitan area, with some neighborhoods experiencing significantly colder conditions than others.
Maharashtra-Wide Chill Pattern Emerges
The cooling trend extends well beyond Pune, affecting large parts of Maharashtra. The IMD reports that minimum temperatures have fallen 1.6°C to 3.0°C below normal at numerous locations across Konkan, Goa, and some areas of Marathwada.
More dramatically, Vidarbha region has experienced appreciably below-normal temperatures ranging from 3.1°C to 5.0°C lower than seasonal averages. Several cities in Central Maharashtra including Lohgaon, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Malegaon, and Mahabaleshwar have all recorded below-average minimum temperatures.
Jalgaon distinguished itself by recording the state's first single-digit temperature this season, registering a chilly 9.2°C on Tuesday that represents a substantial 6.7°C deviation below normal for this time of year.
Expert Explains Weather Phenomenon
Dr. Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting at IMD, provided insight into the meteorological factors driving this cold spell. "Cool air blowing from the western Himalayan region comprising areas of Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal along with Northerly winds makes its way through Central India influencing the weather in North Central Maharashtra including Pune," he explained.
This weather pattern represents the typical winter setup where cold winds from northern regions travel southward, bringing lower temperatures to central Indian states including Maharashtra.
Health Advisory and Agricultural Impact
Dr. Kashyapi emphasized that children and elderly residents should take special precautions against cold and cough during this period. The sudden temperature drop requires appropriate protective measures, particularly for vulnerable populations.
On a positive note, the expert highlighted that this weather pattern could benefit agricultural activities. The cooler conditions are likely to assist farmers in the growth and production of short-period vegetables such as spinach and methi, as well as leguminous crops including lentil and peas.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely as winter establishes its presence across the country, with Pune residents advised to prepare for continued colder conditions in the coming days.
