Pune Braces for Scorching Heat Wave as IMD Predicts Above 40°C Temperatures Till April 6
Pune, 1st April 2024: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a grim forecast on Sunday, projecting maximum temperatures to soar above 40 degrees Celsius (°C) across areas monitored by their Shivajinagar and Lohegaon observatories until April 6. Officials anticipate Lohegaon to maintain a sweltering 41°C over the coming days, underscoring concerns of an intensifying heat wave.
A senior meteorological official explained, “Maharashtra is poised for clear skies, signaling an influx of intense solar radiation that will drive up daytime temperatures significantly.”
On Sunday, both the Shivajinagar and Lohegaon observatories reported temperatures of 38.4°C and 38.3°C, respectively, surpassing normal levels by 1.7° and 1.3°. Despite sporadic light rainfall in areas like Sinhagad Road, Karve Road, and certain pockets of Kothrud early Sunday morning, the mercury continued its upward climb.
Solapur emerged as the state’s hottest region, registering a scorching 41°C, marking an alarming 2.2° increase above normal. In Marathwada, Beed experienced temperatures soaring to 40°C, surpassing typical averages by 2.5°. Meanwhile, Vidarbha grappled with oppressive daytime and nighttime temperatures, with stations in Akola, Brahmapuri, and Chandrapur breaching the 40°C threshold.
Attributing the unusual weather patterns to moisture incursion triggered by a trough line stretching from north Tamil Nadu to Chhattisgarh via Karnataka and Vidarbha, an IMD official noted, “While parts of the state, including Madhya Maharashtra (encompassing Pune district), received sporadic rainfall, it was insufficient to register significant accumulations.”
The official further cautioned that the influence of the trough line would gradually diminish, ushering in clear skies across all meteorological stations. Consequently, Pune and other regions are expected to witness a gradual surge in daytime temperatures in the days ahead.
In addition to the scorching daytime heat, the IMD sounded a warning of warmer nights persisting until April 3 across Madhya Maharashtra. Night temperatures in Shivajinagar and Lohegaon soared to 22.4°C and 25.9°C, respectively, marking deviations of 5.1° and 6.9° above normal levels.
“As daytime temperatures continue to climb and skies remain clear, residents must brace themselves for uncomfortably warm nights until April 3,” emphasized the meteorological official, highlighting the multifaceted impacts of rising temperatures and atmospheric conditions on nocturnal comfort levels.
