Pune Recorded Hottest Day of the Season on Holi, Shirur Hits 40.9°C
Pune experienced its hottest day of the season on Friday, with temperatures in Lohegaon soaring to 40.6°C, a significant 5.4°C above normal, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Shirur tehsil recorded the district’s highest temperature at 40.9°C, while Talegaon Dhamdhere in Shirur also reported intense heat at 40.3°C, highlighting the severe conditions in rural areas.
Although the IMD has not officially declared a heatwave, meteorologists noted that the current temperature spike and deviation from normal levels resemble heatwave-like conditions. An IMD official attributed the sharp rise in temperatures to a high-pressure system over Gujarat and its adjoining regions, adding that similar conditions are expected to persist for the next few days.
Health experts have issued advisories urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. “Exposure to such high temperatures can be dangerous and, in extreme cases, life-threatening,” warned an official.
The heatwave-like conditions extended beyond Pune, with Marathwada and Vidarbha also experiencing intense heat. Marathwada recorded temperatures 3 to 3.4°C above normal, while Vidarbha saw seven locations surpass 40°C. Chandrapur emerged as the hottest city in Maharashtra, with temperatures reaching 41.4°C, 4.4°C above normal.
As Maharashtra continues to grapple with rising temperatures, meteorologists emphasize the importance of caution and preparedness to prevent heat-related illnesses.
