Pune: Monsoon Returns to Lonavala with 131 mm Rain After Week-Long Dry Spell
Lonavala, 29th June 2026: The southwest monsoon made a strong comeback in Lonavala after a week-long dry spell, bringing heavy rain accompanied by thunder on Sunday afternoon. The popular hill station recorded 131 mm (5.16 inches) of rainfall in the last 24 hours, providing much-needed relief from the recent spell of scorching heat and humid weather.
Light showers were reported on the evening of June 27, but rainfall intensified significantly on Sunday afternoon as dark clouds gathered over the region. The sudden downpour transformed the weather, bringing down temperatures after several days of uncomfortable humidity.
The monsoon, which typically reaches Lonavala during the first week of June, arrived nearly 15 days late this year, making its onset on June 20. Heavy rainfall marked its arrival and continued through the day and night. However, the intensity weakened soon afterwards, and the hill station experienced a prolonged dry spell over the past week, leading to rising temperatures and discomfort among residents.
Although Sunday’s rainfall brought considerable relief, this year’s cumulative rainfall remains significantly below last year’s figures. As of June 29, Lonavala has recorded 393 mm (15.47 inches) of rainfall, compared to 1,885 mm (74.21 inches) during the same period in 2025. The sharp decline reflects a substantial rainfall deficit, with the region still awaiting sustained monsoon activity to narrow the gap.
Being a Sunday, Lonavala witnessed a heavy influx of tourists. Many visitors were returning home when the rain intensified, giving them an opportunity to experience the dramatic monsoon showers during their journey. However, the sudden downpour also caused inconvenience to pedestrians and local residents, many of whom were caught unprepared by the abrupt change in weather.
The rainfall eased by Monday morning, but weather officials expect monsoon activity to continue across the region over the coming days, raising hopes of more consistent rainfall for the hill station.
