Chilly Days Ahead: Cold Wave Likely to Grip Maharashtra as Temperatures Set to Plunge
Pune, January 2, 2026: Residents across Maharashtra, including Pune, should brace for a significant drop in temperatures as the new year begins with a biting chill. While the last 24 hours saw a marginal rise in mercury levels in some parts, noted weather expert and former IMD official Anupam Kashyapi has warned that a severe cold spell is on the horizon.
Below-Normal Temperatures Till Month-End
According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Extended Range Forecast (ERF), large parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are expected to witness below-normal night temperatures until the end of January.
The real brunt of winter is expected during the second week of January (Jan 9–15). During this period, a sharp fall in minimum temperatures is likely across Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha. Specifically, Vidarbha is on alert for potential Cold Wave conditions, along with neighboring states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Day Temperatures to Remain Suppressed
It isn’t just the nights that will feel the sting. Day temperatures are also projected to stay 3–4°C below normal until mid-January across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and North Interior Karnataka (NIK). This suggests a persistent “cold day” feeling, where the winter sun fails to provide the usual afternoon warmth.
Current Observations: A Brief Respite
The Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) Mumbai noted that while a gradual fall in maximum temperatures is expected over the next two days, there might be a slight rise thereafter.
- Solapur: Recorded a maximum of 32.8°C on January 1.
- Gondia: Shivered at a minimum of 8.5°C, marking one of the lowest in the state.
- Pune: Recorded a minimum of 13.5°C on Friday, a slight rise from the 10.9°C recorded on New Year’s Day, though this relief is expected to be short-lived.
No Immediate Cold Wave Warning for Mumbai
While the interior parts of the state prepare for a harsh chill, RMC Mumbai has clarified that there are no immediate cold wave warnings for the coastal regions for the next few days. However, the overall trend for the state points toward a rigorous winter phase ahead.
Punekars and residents of Vidarbha are advised to take necessary precautions, especially during the early morning and late night hours, as the “Pink Cold” transitions into a more intense winter spell.
