Cold Wave Grips Maharashtra: Dhule Chills at 4°C, Pune Sees Sharp Temperature Drop
Pune, 11th December 2024: Maharashtra is experiencing a significant dip in temperatures, with Dhule recording the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 4°C on Tuesday, a sharp drop from 9.2°C the previous day. Jalgaon followed with a minimum of 8°C, while Nashik and Pune registered 9.4°C and 12.3°C, respectively. Pune’s temperature has plunged by over 10°C in just six days, falling from 22.5°C on December 4.
Pune, known for its relatively moderate winters, has seen a dramatic drop in minimum temperatures this month. The fall from 22.5°C to 12.3°C within six days marks a stark change for the city’s residents. Weather experts attribute this sudden cooling to clear skies and cold northwesterly winds sweeping across the region.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune, the chilly conditions are expected to persist over the next couple of days, though further declines in temperature are unlikely. “The minimum temperatures are not expected to drop further and may rise slightly. In cities like Pune and Nashik, the minimum is likely to remain below 13°C for the next two to three days,” said Dr. K. S. Hosalikar, head of IMD-Pune.
The cold wave has raised concerns among grape farmers in Niphad, Nashik district, where the temperature fell to 8.9°C on Tuesday, compared to 6.7°C the previous day. The drastic dip has prompted farmers to take preventive measures to protect their crops.
“To safeguard the vineyards during these cold mornings, many farmers are using techniques like drip irrigation and lighting bonfires to maintain the required temperature,” said an agricultural officer familiar with the region’s grape cultivation practices.
The ongoing cold spell has left citizens layering up and farmers strategizing to mitigate its impact. As Maharashtra braces for a chilly week ahead, the IMD has urged residents to prepare for cooler nights while farmers continue to adopt innovative techniques to protect their crops from the biting cold.
