Pune has recorded its warmest first half of October in 12 years, with the city’s main weather station at Shivajinagar logging an average maximum temperature of 34.97 degrees Celsius between October 1 and 15, alongside only 1.4 mm of rainfall.
The reading is the highest average maximum temperature recorded for the first 15 days of October since 2014, according to data cited in a report by The Indian Express. The average maximum temperature during the same period was 33.2 degrees Celsius in 2014, 31.4 degrees Celsius last year, 32.58 degrees Celsius in 2024 and 33.09 degrees Celsius in 2023.
The weather pattern has been linked to a lack of thunderstorms, limited cloud cover and the persistent influence of an anticyclone. An expert from the weather organisation Vagaries of the Weather said these conditions had contributed to above-normal temperatures that were, on average, the highest for the first 15 days of October since 2014.
The heat has coincided with below-normal rainfall in Maharashtra. The Southwest Monsoon withdrew from the entire country on October 15, while several regions, including drought-hit Maharashtra, continued to face a rainfall deficit.
Temperatures varied across Pune’s observation stations. On October 15, Shivajinagar, Pashan and Chinchwad recorded maximum temperatures of 34.4 degrees Celsius. Lohegaon recorded 35 degrees Celsius, which was 3.4 degrees above normal. NDA and Magarpatta were relatively cooler, recording 32.9 degrees Celsius and 32.6 degrees Celsius respectively.
The India Meteorological Department’s local forecast indicates that daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius over the coming days. Skies are expected to remain largely clear until October 17, extending the period of strong daytime heating across the city.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pune district and the Pune Ghats, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by light rain and winds of 30-40 kmph between October 17 and 19. The alert indicates that the hot and dry conditions could be followed by short-duration weather activity rather than a return to sustained rainfall.
Night-time conditions have been more varied. Shivajinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 18.4 degrees Celsius on October 15, which was 1.1 degrees below normal, while Lohegaon recorded 20 degrees Celsius. Wadgaonsheri recorded the highest minimum temperature in the city at 24.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Chinchwad and Magarpatta at 22.9 degrees Celsius each. Pashan recorded a minimum of 20.2 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius over the coming days. The next significant forecast window is October 17-19, when the IMD has forecast thunderstorms, light rain and gusty winds across parts of Pune district.
