Pune Sizzles Under Yellow Alert: No Respite from Heat Even at Night
Pune | Wednesday, May 13, 2026: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Pune as a punishing heatwave is set to grip the city today and tomorrow. With temperatures consistently soaring above the 40°C mark, residents are facing an intense “double whammy” of scorching days and unusually warm, “sultry” nights.
Daytime Extremes: Lohegaon and Shivajinagar Lead the Spike
Data from May 12 reveals a sharp climb in mercury levels across the district. Lohegaon recorded the highest temperature in the region at 43.2°C, followed by Baramati at 41.4°C and Dudulgaon at41.3°C.
The core city area was not far behind:
- Shivajinagar: 40.8°C
- Koregaon Park: 40.7°C
- Magarpatta: 41.0°C
The IMD’s 7-day forecast indicates that temperatures in Pune will remain between 40°C and 42°C through May 19, with “Mainly Clear Skies” ensuring no immediate relief from the sun’s glare.
Sultry Nights: The Urban Heat Island Effect
Perhaps more concerning is the lack of nighttime cooling. While Pune is traditionally known for its pleasant evenings, “warm night” conditions are currently making sleep difficult.
On the night of May 12–13, several urban pockets saw minimum temperatures stay well above normal:
- Magarpatta & Koregaon Park: 28.8°C
- Wadgaonsheri: 28.0°C
- Shivajinagar: 27.4°C
Meteorologists attribute this to the Urban Heat Island effect, where concrete structures and asphalt roads trap heat during the day and release it slowly throughout the night.
IMD Guidelines & Precautions
The yellow alert indicates that while the heat is currently in the “tolerable” range for most, it can be hazardous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and those with chronic illnesses.
Key Safety Tips:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Timing: Avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM).
- Attire: Wear light-colored, loose cotton clothing and use umbrellas or hats when outdoors.
- Agriculture: Farmers are advised to continue frequent irrigation to protect crops from heat stress.
With dry weather expected to persist for the next 4–5 days, Puneites are advised to stay indoors and keep cool as the peak of summer takes hold.
