Good News for Pune: IMD Predicts Better Rainfall in July Amid El Niño Fears

Shivajinagar, 18th June 2026: In view of the potential impact of El Niño conditions, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Thursday visited the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Shivajinagar to review the city’s water management strategy and preparedness regarding storage levels in the Khadakwasla dam chain.

During the meeting, senior IMD officials, scientists and weather experts held detailed discussions with civic authorities on rainfall projections for June, July, August and September. The review focused on expected precipitation in Pune city and the catchment areas of the dams supplying water to the city, along with the likely impact of varying weather patterns on water availability.

Experts from the IMD briefed the civic team on seasonal weather forecasts, expected rainfall patterns and the potential influence of global climate phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña on monsoon activity in Maharashtra, particularly in the Pune region.

According to the PMC, scientific and real-time weather data provided by the IMD will play a crucial role in strengthening the city’s water resource planning.

Officials said there is a likelihood of good rainfall in July, especially in the dam catchment areas, and urged citizens not to panic over the current water situation. The civic administration said adequate planning has been undertaken to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water to residents.

However, the PMC appealed to citizens to use water judiciously and comply with the civic body’s water conservation guidelines. The administration warned that misuse or wastage of water would attract penalties, while repeated violations could lead to legal action and the registration of cases.

Appealing to citizens to conserve water, Commissioner Ram said, “Considering the potential impact of El Niño conditions, residents should use water responsibly and avoid wastage. Every citizen must contribute to water conservation. Saving water is the need of the hour.”

Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair and Disaster Management Department official Ganesh Sonune were present during the visit on behalf of the PMC.

The IMD delegation included KC Sai Krishnan, Head of Climate Research and Services (CRS), Dr Sreejith O.P., Dr Satyaban Bishoi Ratna, Dr Sudip Kumar, A.D. Tathe and Uday Shende.