Pune Records Hottest Day of 2026 So Far; IMD Warns of Further Rise as Konkan Faces Hot and Humid Conditions
Pune, February 04, 2026: Pune has recorded its hottest day of 2026 so far, with temperatures climbing sharply just after Holika Dahan. The rising heat is not limited to the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated a steady increase in day temperatures across Maharashtra over the next few days, while parts of the Konkan region remain under a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature at Shivajinagar on March 2 touched 35.5°C, which is 1.3°C above normal and the highest recorded there since January 1 this year. At Lohegaon, the temperature went even higher, reaching 36.4°C, about 2.2°C above normal. The minimum temperature in Pune stood at 17.4°C.
The heat was clearly felt across the city, especially during the afternoon hours. Commuters reported strong sunlight and rising discomfort on the roads. While mornings are still relatively pleasant, meteorologists say the situation is likely to change soon as temperatures continue to climb.
IMD forecasts suggest that by March 6, maximum temperatures in Shivajinagar could touch 37°C, while Lohegaon may see levels close to 38°C. Experts attribute this warming trend to the early onset of summer conditions in March and the development of anticyclonic circulation. This system brings dry and warm northeasterly winds, pushing daytime temperatures higher.
Across Maharashtra, the IMD expects maximum temperatures to rise by 2–3°C over the next four days. Night temperatures are also likely to increase gradually, signalling the beginning of a sustained warming phase in the state.
Former IMD weather expert Anupam Kashyapi has also indicated that day temperatures in Maharashtra are rising, with slightly higher readings expected in Pune over the coming days. He noted that wind interactions may lead to isolated and partly cloudy conditions from time to time, but no major relief is expected.
In Pune district, several locations recorded high temperatures on March 2:
- Koregaon Park: 35.7°C
- Shivajinagar: 35.3°C
- Talegaon: 35.2°C
- Ballalwadi: 35.2°C
- Dapodi: 34.9°C
- Girivan: 34.9°C
- Wadgaonsheri: 34.7°C
- Chinchwad: 34.6°C
- Pashan: 34.5°C
- Baramati: 34.2°C
Meanwhile, parts of Konkan are on alert. Districts including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad are likely to experience hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets over the next 72 hours.
In Mumbai, hot and humid conditions are marked as very likely in isolated areas on March 4, followed by relatively dry conditions in the following days. Similar patterns are expected in Thane and Palghar, where humidity levels may cause discomfort despite no major spike in maximum temperatures. Raigad and Ratnagiri are also likely to see hot and humid spells in isolated pockets before conditions turn dry.
The yellow alert in Konkan is mainly due to high humidity combined with rising daytime heat, which can increase discomfort levels, especially for the elderly and those with health conditions.
The impact of the changing season is already visible in Pune’s markets. Winter wear is gradually disappearing from store shelves, replaced by summer essentials like suncoats, caps and sunglasses. Residents have started preparing for what appears to be an early and intense summer.
With temperatures expected to rise further this week, citizens are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours and take basic precautions as the heat builds up across Maharashtra.
