Red Alert Issued for Pune Ghats as Monsoon Intensifies; Temperatures Drop 5°C
Pune, 2nd July 2026: Continuous monsoon rains lashing Pune and its neighboring areas over the last three days have brought a significant chill to the city, causing maximum temperatures to plummet by five degrees Celsius. However, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting an increase in precipitation intensity, the administration has issued an urgent Red Alert for the Ghat areas of Pune district for the next three days, warning travelers and residents to exercise extreme caution.
Plunging Temperatures and Commuter Woes
The persistent rain has dramatically altered Pune’s temperature profile. On Thursday, July 2, the city experienced a relentless, cool drizzle from the morning, which intensified into heavier showers late in the evening.
According to IMD’s realized data, the maximum temperature in Shivajinagar settled at 27.2°C, while the minimum hovered at 22.1°C. Other areas recorded even cooler conditions, with Pashan registering a low of 20.7°C and Lavale dropping to a chilly 19.5°C.
The late-night downpour led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas and critical road intersections across Pune. Commuters returning home from work faced severe delays as vehicular movement slowed to a crawl on waterlogged streets, causing widespread traffic disruptions.
Micro-Climate Data: Chinchwad Leads Rainfall
According to the IMD’s official 24-hour observation slip generated at 8:45 PM on July 2, rainfall and humidity levels varied significantly across Pune’s micro-climates:
Station : Rainfall (Last 24 Hours)
Chinchwad 9.5 mm
Shivajinagar 7.0 mm
Lohgaon 4.6 mm
NDA 3.0 mm
Koregaon Park (KP) 0.5 mm
Lavale 0.5 mm
Magarpatta 0.0 mm
Red Alert for Ghats: Extreme Weather Warning
While Pune’s municipal areas will likely experience light to moderate rain, the surrounding mountain passes (Ghats) face severe weather threats.
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for the Ghat sections of Pune district from July 3 to July 5. The weather agency warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with isolated pockets highly susceptible to extremely heavy rainfall.
“We are anticipating intense spells over the ghats. In light of the landslide risks and poor visibility, we strongly advise tourists, trekkers, and motorists to avoid traveling to Ghat areas or popular monsoon tourism spots unless absolutely necessary,” a district administration official stated.
The Week Ahead: Cool, Cloudy, and Wet
For Pune city and its suburbs, the IMD’s seven-day forecast predicts a continuation of the cool, cloudy trend:
Friday, July 3: Temperatures will remain stable, with a maximum of 27°C and a minimum of 22°C. While the morning may witness briefly clearer skies, the afternoon and evening are expected to turn partly cloudy, bringing light to moderate rain showers.
Saturday, July 4: Marginally warmer at 28°C / 22°C, with continued light to moderate rain. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall will persist in the isolated Ghat sections.
Sunday, July 5 & Monday, July 6: Heavy rain warnings continue for the Ghats, with city temperatures staying cool between 26°C and 27°C.
July 7 & July 8: The monsoon is expected to lose some intensity, transitioning to a steady pattern of generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers.
