Pune Records Wettest May in a Decade, Rainfall May Break All-Time Record
Pune is witnessing its wettest May since 2015, with Shivajinagar recording 40.8 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours—the highest single-day May rainfall in nearly a decade. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city has received 116.8 mm of rain between May 1 and 21, surpassing the previous record of 112.7 mm set in May 2015.
With 10 days still remaining in the month, Pune has already experienced eight rainy days—the highest for May in ten years. The pre-monsoon showers have exceeded 2021’s total of 88.8 mm, with heavy downpours reported in key areas. On Wednesday evening, NDA recorded 103 mm, while Chinchwad and Kondhwa also saw intense rainfall. Other notable rainfall figures include Magarpatta (81.5 mm), Dudulgaon (68.0 mm), and Hadapsar (24.5 mm).
The IMD attributes the unusual weather to strong westerly winds, moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea, and upper-air cyclonic circulations. Meteorologists warn that such unseasonal rainfall may become more frequent due to changing climate patterns.
An orange alert has been issued for Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg from May 21 to 23, with isolated heavy spells expected on May 23 and 24. Authorities have advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas and stay indoors during thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive early in Maharashtra, with Kerala expecting onset between May 24 and 25—the earliest in 15 years. The monsoon is projected to reach Goa and Sindhudurg by May 28.
