Pune Weather Update: Mercury to Hit 40°C as Record-Breaking Rains Subside; IMD Issues Heat Alert

PUNE – After a weekend of historic unseasonal deluges that shattered century-old records, Pune residents must now brace for a scorching week ahead. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has signaled a sharp transition from rain-drenched evenings to intense summer heat, with temperatures across the district expected to soar toward the 40°C mark by Friday.

From 130-Year Rain Record to Rising Heat

Just days ago, Pune witnessed a rare meteorological event. On April 2, the city broke a rainfall record that had stood since 1896. Shivajinagar recorded a staggering 65 mm of rain, while the NDA area saw 84 mm—surpassing the previous April high of 51.1 mm set over a century ago.

According to S.D. Sanap, a senior scientist at IMD Pune, this “wet spell” was triggered by a combination of a trough in the Easterlies and a southward-moving jet stream. However, as of Monday, April 6, that system has moved out, clearing the path for a traditional April heatwave.

Temperature Forecast: Shivajinagar vs. Lohegaon

While the city center (Shivajinagar) is expected to hover around 35°C today, outlying areas are already feeling the burn.

IMD Outlook: No More Rain in Sight

The IMD’s 7-day outlook for Pune indicates “mainly clear skies” becoming “partly cloudy” towards the evenings, but with zero probability of significant precipitation. The humidity, which spiked during the rains, is expected to drop, leading to “dry heat” conditions.

Health officials advise Punekars to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, especially as the UV index begins to climb.

Air Quality Remains Satisfactory

One silver lining of the recent rains is the cleaned-up atmosphere. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pune remains in the ‘Satisfactory’ category (below 80), providing much-needed relief to citizens with respiratory sensitivities before the summer dust settles in.