Pune Creates History as Shivajinagar Records Wettest July Ever, Breaking Earlier Rainfall Record in July 1907
PUNE: Pune has entered the weather record books for breaking a 119-year rainfall record. The Shivajinagar observatory has recorded 508.9 mm of rainfall in July 2026, making it the wettest July ever observed since rainfall records began at the station.
The new figure has overtaken the previous July record of 508.5 mm, which had stood unchallenged since July 1907, ending a 119-year-old record.
Pune Sets New July Rainfall Record
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, cumulative rainfall at the Shivajinagar observatory has now reached 508.9 mm for the month.
The previous highest July rainfall was recorded in 1907, when the city received 508.5 mm during the month. With the latest update, July 2026 has become Pune’s wettest July on record.
Although the difference is only 0.4 mm, it is significant from a climatological perspective because it rewrites one of Pune’s oldest rainfall records.
Heavy Early July Rains Changed the Picture
The record was built on the back of an exceptionally active spell of monsoon rain during the first half of July.
Several days of persistent moderate to heavy rainfall pushed reservoir levels sharply higher, disrupted transport, caused waterlogging in several parts of Pune district and led to temporary closures of schools and colleges during the peak spell.
The intense monsoon activity also helped replenish the city’s water reserves after concerns over low storage levels earlier in the season.
IMD Says Light Rain Likely to Continue
While the record has been achieved, rainfall intensity has eased over the past few days.
The IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain over Pune during the coming days. At present, no major weather warning has been issued for the city.
Why This Record Matters
Rainfall records stretching back more than a century are valuable indicators of changing weather patterns and monsoon variability.
Breaking a record that had survived since 1907 highlights how unusual this year’s July monsoon has been for Pune.
Meteorologists, however, note that individual monthly rainfall records should not be interpreted on their own as evidence of long-term climate trends, as rainfall naturally varies from year to year.
Key Rainfall Numbers
- July 2026 rainfall: 508.9 mm
- Previous July record: 508.5 mm
- Previous record year: 1907
- New record margin: 0.4 mm
With a new all-time July record now in the books, July 2026 will be remembered as one of the most remarkable monsoon months ever recorded in Pune.
Vineet Gupta is the Founder and Managing Editor of PuneNow, where he leads editorial coverage on Pune’s civic developments, local infrastructure, traffic, and urban governance. With an academic background from the University of Wales and professional experience across journalism, hospitality, finance, and academia, Vineet offers a unique perspective on hyper-local journalism. Based in Pune, he is passionate about empowering residents with accurate, timely news that affects their daily lives, while offering insightful commentary on mindful living, parenting, and community connection.
