Pune Experiences Respite from Cold Wave, Dense Fog Creates New Challenges

Pune, 21st December 2024: The intense cold wave that gripped Pune and its surrounding areas in recent days has eased, offering some relief to residents. However, with the increase in temperatures, dense fog has begun to blanket the region, causing visibility issues, especially for commuters.

The cold wave, driven by icy winds from the north, had caused a sharp drop in temperatures earlier this week. The mercury had plunged to 6 degrees Celsius at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and 7 degrees Celsius in Shivajinagar, marking the season’s lowest temperatures just four days ago. The chill was so severe that residents experienced cold weather even during the daytime.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are now on the rise. On Friday, Shivajinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 12.5 degrees Celsius. The temperature increase is attributed to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which has reduced the intensity of the cold winds.

While the cold wave has subsided, dense fog has become a new concern. Today, the city and its outskirts were engulfed in thick fog, obscuring visibility to the extent that tall buildings appeared hidden. The fog posed significant challenges for drivers, particularly on the Mumbai-Pune highway, where low visibility caused difficulties during the morning hours.

Senior meteorologist Manikrao Khule stated that the cold wave will remain mild for the next few days, allowing residents to enjoy relatively warmer weather during the Christmas period. He also assured that there is no immediate possibility of rain in the region. However, Khule predicted that cold conditions may return toward the end of December, bringing another round of winter chill.