Pune: City Sizzles as Temperatures Soar to Season’s Second-Highest; IMD Warns of More Heat Ahead
Pune is reeling under intense summer heat, with Tuesday registering the second-highest temperature of the season in the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lohegaon scorched at 42.7°C, which is a full five degrees above normal, while Shivajinagar recorded 40.8°C, a sharp rise from 38.1°C just a few days ago.
The heatwave is not limited to Pune — 19 locations across Maharashtra reported temperatures above 40°C. Akola was the hottest at 43.7°C, followed closely by Chandrapur (42.6°C) and Bramhapuri (42.0°C). Solapur touched 42.8°C, its highest this season, while Sangli and Satara breached the 40°C mark for the first time this year. Even Mahabaleshwar, a typically cooler region, neared 34°C.
In Pune, not only are day temperatures soaring, but minimum temperatures have also remained unusually high. Lohegaon recorded a nighttime low of 24.7°C, significantly above the seasonal average. Shivajinagar’s 40.8°C on Tuesday was also its second-highest of the season, the peak being 41.3°C on April 8.
Residents have been feeling the brunt of this unrelenting heat, especially during afternoon hours. Many reported increased reliance on cooling appliances, with some areas experiencing power-related strain. Humidity levels plummeted, with morning relative humidity at 34%, dropping to just 15% in the afternoon, making the atmosphere dry and harsh.
The IMD attributes the heatwave to hot air inflow from northwest India, which is currently under a heatwave alert. The Vidarbha and Marathwada regions remain especially affected, with nearly all weather stations there reporting extreme conditions.
Even the Konkan coast, which typically offers some relief, remained uncomfortable due to high humidity. Mumbai saw 34.1°C at Colaba and 36.2°C at Santacruz, about 3°C above normal, making it feel hotter than it actually was.
As per the IMD’s forecast, Pune is expected to remain around 40°C for the next few days, with temperatures likely to rise further across the state. Authorities have issued advisories urging citizens to stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
The state remains under a yellow alert, though no rainfall was recorded on Tuesday. With dry soil, scorching sun, and persistent hot winds, the mid-summer period is turning out to be highly uncomfortable across Maharashtra.
