Pune Braces for Heavy Rainfall Today as IMD Issues Orange Alert
Pune, 20th May 2025: As pre-monsoon activity intensifies, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of orange and yellow alerts for several districts in Maharashtra, including Pune. The state is expected to witness widespread thundershowers, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall over the next few days, extending up to May 24.
According to the IMD, Pune city is likely to experience light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning. While Konkan region is under the highest alert, districts in Madhya Maharashtra — including Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur — will also see moderate to heavy rainfall, especially on May 21 and 22.
Last 24 hours rainfall (till 9 am on 20th May)
LOHGAON 41.0
MALIN 31.0
BARAMATI 17.5
HAVELI 17.0
LAVALE 14.5
LAVASA 14.0
HADAPSAR 12.5
BALLALWADI 12.0
WADGAONSHERI 11.5
SHIVAJINAGAR 8.5
PURANDAR 8.5
GIRIVAN 6.0
KOREGAON PARK 6.0
NARAYANGOAN 5.0
PASHAN 4.5
TALEGAON 4.5
CHINCHWAD 4.0
DHAMDHERE 4.0
RAJGURUNAGAR 4.0
BHOR 3.5
NDA 3.0
NIMGIRI 2.5
LONAVALA 2.0
DUDULGAON 1.5
DAUND 0.5
MAGARAPATTA 0.5
Cyclonic Activity Driving Rainfall Surge
A senior IMD scientist explained that the increased rainfall is linked to an emerging cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea. “We expect this system to develop around May 21, off the Karnataka coast. It is likely to evolve into a low-pressure area by May 22 and gradually move northward,” the official said.
“This system will fuel widespread showers, particularly in Konkan and south Madhya Maharashtra. We are likely to see a notable surge in rainfall on May 21 and 22, as the system intensifies,” he added.
Pune Under Orange Alert
While the coastal regions remain at high risk, Pune city has also been placed under an orange alert for May 20, with the potential for heavy spells. “Tuesday could bring intense thundershowers to Pune. Though we haven’t entered the monsoon season yet, the current pattern is consistent with pre-monsoon activity, which typically precedes the southwest monsoon’s onset,” the IMD scientist said.
He further noted that strong westerly winds and moisture-laden clouds are contributing to the erratic weather. “These early rains are a result of robust westerlies and cyclonic systems that often arrive just before the monsoon. In fact, we are seeing signs of an early monsoon this year.”
Heavy Rain Forecast for Other Regions
Districts such as Nashik and Jalgaon are also expected to experience thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 40–60 km/h, along with localized heavy rainfall. The IMD has urged citizens and local administrations to remain alert.
“As the system moves northward, rainfall is likely to peak around May 22 and 23, especially across central and western Maharashtra. We’ll have more precise updates in the coming days,” the official added.
Advisory for Citizens
Residents across the state, especially in vulnerable areas, are advised to take precautions against sudden downpours, lightning, and strong winds.
