Pune Records Highest June Rainfall Since 2014 at 267.5 mm

Monsoon Revival After Slow Start

The monsoon arrived early in Maharashtra in May but stalled for nearly 20 days in June, leading to a sluggish onset. However, weather systems strengthened in the second half of June, bringing substantial rainfall to Konkan and central Maharashtra, while Vidarbha received comparatively less.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Maharashtra received 222.3 mm of rainfall in June against a normal of 209.8 mm, classifying it as ‘normal’ (within ±19% of the long-period average). This year’s June rainfall was 6% above average.

Uneven Rainfall Distribution Across Maharashtra

Despite the overall normal classification, rainfall distribution was highly uneven:

Excess Rainfall Areas:
- Palghar recorded an extraordinary 701.9 mm (137% above normal).
- Nashik (118% surplus) and Pune district (105% surplus) also saw heavy rains.
Rain-Deficient Regions:
- Washim faced an 86% deficit, receiving only 18.3 mm against the normal 132.3 mm.
- Ahilya Nagar, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Solapur also reported significant shortages.
- Marathwada recorded a 41% deficit, receiving just 78.8 mm against the normal 134.7 mm.

Weather Systems Behind the Trend

Anupam Kashyapi, former head of IMD Pune’s weather forecasting division, explained that weak weather systems in the Bay of Bengal led to poor rainfall in Vidarbha and Marathwada. In contrast, strong Arabian Sea systems enhanced westerly winds, benefiting western Maharashtra.

Forecast: Heavy Rains Ahead

The IMD predicts intensified monsoon activity in the coming days:

A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may bring heavy rains to Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
An upper air cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Gujarat will influence rainfall in coastal Maharashtra and ghat areas (Pune, Satara, Kolhapur).
An orange alert has been issued for July 2-3 in these regions, while Vidarbha remains under a yellow alert.