Pune Experiences Hottest January Day in 16 Years

Heat stroke
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Pune, 26th January 2025: The city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.6°C on Saturday, making it the hottest January day since 2009, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The last time such high temperatures were observed in January was on January 31, 2009, when the mercury also touched 34.6°C. Pune’s all-time January temperature record stands at 35.3°C, recorded on January 27, 2009.

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This year’s January appears to be deviating from its typical winter pattern, with private weather experts predicting it may become one of the warmest in recent history. SD Sanap, a scientist at IMD, attributed the unusual heat to an anticyclonic circulation over central India, including Maharashtra. This system, extending from lower to mid-tropospheric levels, is causing air subsidence and pushing both daytime and nighttime temperatures higher.

Max temperature in Pune on January 25

Sanap further noted, “The circulation is likely to persist for the next three to four days, keeping temperatures elevated. After that, we anticipate a drop in both minimum and maximum temperatures.”

The heatwave is not restricted to Pune. In Maharashtra, multiple regions are reporting similar trends. Mumbai’s Santacruz recorded a maximum temperature of 34.5°C, about 4°C above normal, while Ratnagiri experienced a sweltering 36.1°C, which was 4.9°C above average. Pune’s 34.6°C maximum was 4.2°C above the seasonal norm, and the city’s Lohgaon area recorded a minimum of 17.7°C, a striking 6.6°C higher than usual.

While a drop in temperatures is expected later this week, the current heatwave underscores a significant departure from typical winter conditions in Pune and other parts of India.