Thunderstorms and Rain Likely in Pune, Other Districts from May 6: IMD
Pune, 2nd May 2025: After enduring weeks of intense heat, residents across Maharashtra may finally get some relief as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall and thunderstorms in several parts of the state starting May 6.
According to a five-day weather bulletin released by IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm activity is expected in Pune district and adjoining regions early next week. This change in weather is likely to bring a dip in soaring temperatures.
“Parts of central Maharashtra, including Pune, Marathwada, and Vidarbha, could see pre-monsoon showers and thunderstorms beginning May 6,” confirmed S.D. Sanap, a scientist at IMD Pune. “For Pune city in particular, cloud cover and light rain in the afternoon or evening are anticipated.”
Temperatures across the state remained high on Friday, with several areas crossing the 40°C mark. Akola was the hottest at 44.9°C, followed closely by Solapur at 44.7°C and Jalgaon at 43.9°C. In Pune, Lohgaon recorded a peak temperature of 43.2°C, while Shivajinagar saw 40.6°C. Satara also experienced high heat, logging 40.9°C.
Sanap attributed the prevailing heatwave to an anti-cyclonic system over the region, which is now weakening. “The shift is occurring as moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea begin to flow in from the west at upper levels, while lower-level winds from the Bay of Bengal add to the moisture content. This combination is setting the stage for instability in the atmosphere, which typically triggers convective rainfall,” he explained.
The IMD has specifically flagged districts such as Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Beed, Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Satara, and the Pune ghats as likely to witness thunder and lightning activity with accompanying rain. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h may also occur in isolated areas, the department warned.
The anticipated rainfall may not only offer relief from the current heatwave but also help recharge groundwater levels ahead of the monsoon.
