Pune: IMD Issues Yellow Alert Amid Forecast of Thunderstorms, Gusty Winds
Pune, 19th May 2025: Multiple areas in Pune experienced pre-monsoon showers on Sunday evening, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording varied rainfall across the city. According to the latest data, Shivajinagar received 14.1 mm, Lavale 11 mm, Chinchwad 6.5 mm, and NDA reported 2 mm of rainfall.
The sudden downpour led to waterlogging at several low-lying areas, causing disruptions for motorists during peak evening hours. Commuters were seen navigating through water-filled roads, especially in central and suburban parts of the city.
Weather experts at IMD have issued a yellow alert for Pune and surrounding areas for the coming days, warning of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. The alert serves as a cautionary measure for residents and authorities to stay prepared for potential disruptions.
“Two cyclonic circulations are currently active — one over Marathwada and another over the Arabian Sea. Additionally, we expect a low-pressure system to form off the Karnataka coast and Arabian Sea by May 22, which is drawing moisture into the atmosphere and causing widespread rainfall,” said SD Sanap, a scientist with IMD Pune.
The cumulative rainfall in Pune for the season now stands at 60.7 mm, which is 32 mm above the normal average for this period, officials added.
The weather activity has also brought down daytime temperatures significantly. On Sunday, Shivajinagar recorded 34.8°C, which is 2.1°C below normal, while Lohegaon stood at 36.9°C, aligning with seasonal expectations.
Similar weather conditions were reported across rural Maharashtra. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Marathwada), heavy showers measuring 79 mm — the highest in the state — were recorded. Temperatures across the region saw a notable dip: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (33°C), Parbhani (37.1°C), Beed (36.1°C), and Osmanabad (36.2°C) — all registering below-normal levels.
Across Vidarbha, most areas remained cloudy and received intermittent showers. While temperatures largely stayed below the seasonal norm by 0.2°C to 6.9°C, only three locations crossed the 40°C mark, with Bramhapuri topping the charts at 41.2°C.
Monsoon Advancing as Expected
The southwest monsoon is advancing steadily, according to the IMD’s latest update. “The monsoon reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 13, and by Sunday, it had covered the region entirely,” said a senior meteorologist. “Current conditions are favorable for its onset over Kerala in the coming days. If the trend continues, Maharashtra is likely to witness monsoon rains by May 27.”
The state’s agriculture department has begun preparatory work for the kharif crop season, anticipating an early monsoon arrival, which could benefit farmers if rainfall patterns remain consistent.
