Pune: Unprecedented Heavy Rainfall Turns Day into Night, Disrupts City Life – Not Monsoon Rain Yet
Pune, May 20, 2025: City witnessed an unprecedented heavy rainfall this afternoon, with very dark clouds covering the sky, turning day into night. Residents had to switch on lights at homes and in vehicles to navigate the sudden darkness.
Between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, a massive thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and pounding rain engulfed the city, creating an extremely scary and rare weather phenomenon for mid-May.
Today's Thunderstorm ⛈️🌩️ #Pune #PuneRains pic.twitter.com/ZcYMHz7WMY
— Trupti More (@TruptiMore9) May 19, 2025
Areas like Chakan, Talegaon, Moshi, Alandi, Hinjawadi and Chinchwad were severely affected, with the storm moving towards Lonavala ghats.
The exit gate of Pune International Airport was completely waterlogged and submerged, causing major disruptions. Passengers faced difficulties as vehicles stalled, forcing many to walk through flooded roads.
Reports of hoarding collapses have also surfaced, raising concerns over civic preparedness.
Heavy waterlogging and traffic jams were reported across Pune, with locals and travelers getting stuck for extended durations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted highly active weather conditions in Maharashtra over the next 4-5 days, with intense rainfall likely in Konkan and central Maharashtra by Wednesday and Thursday. Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai may also experience heavy downpours, while other districts could see thunderstorms.
On being asked whether monsoon has arrived in Pune already, experts are saying this is not monsoon rain and still classified as pre-monsoon activity. There is still time for the monsoon to become active in Maharashtra.
