Pune colder than Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala
Pune, 30th November 2024: Pune city and its surrounding areas are experiencing an unusual cold wave, with temperatures dropping below those recorded in typically cooler destinations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala.
Today, the lowest temperatures were recorded as follows: NDA at 8.2°C, Haveli (Loni Kalbhor) at 9.1°C, Malin at 9.6°C, Shivajinagar at 9.7°C, and Pashan at 9.9°C.
On Friday, Pune recorded a minimum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius, compared to 10.5 degrees Celsius in Mahabaleshwar and 17.7 degrees Celsius in Lonavala.
This rare phenomenon is attributed to a severe low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, which is evolving into Cyclone Fengal. While the cyclone is expected to primarily impact Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, its indirect effects are being felt in Maharashtra.
According to senior meteorologist Anupam Kashyapi, the system has led to reduced humidity in the air, causing a continuous drop in both day and night temperatures in Pune.
“The active flow of winds from the north, coupled with decreased humidity due to the cyclone, is intensifying the chill. This is why Pune is currently colder than Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, which are traditionally known for their cooler climates,” Kashyapi explained. He added that hilly terrain in Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala likely obstructs northern winds, moderating the cold in those areas.
As Cyclone Fengal progresses northwestward, it is expected to reduce humidity levels further in Maharashtra and Central India. This could lead to a more pronounced flow of cold winds from the north, potentially causing night temperatures in Pune to dip even further in the coming days.
While Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala continue to be celebrated for their scenic landscapes and cooler weather, Pune’s current climate anomaly has made it a surprising frontrunner in winter chill. The trend is likely to persist as the cyclone’s effects unfold, offering residents an early taste of the winter season.
