Special Correspondent
Pune: As the summer season draws near, Pune is anticipated to experience a significant decrease in minimum temperatures over the next 24 hours, with further drops expected toward the end of February. This change follows an unusually warm start to the month, with temperatures consistently four to five degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm.
Despite being in the midst of winter, both Pune and Maharashtra have experienced unusually high temperatures since February began. The minimum and maximum temperatures in Pune have remained around 14 to 15 degrees Celsius, well above the usual seasonal averages. However, meteorologists are forecasting a temperature dip, bringing much-needed relief to the city.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Pune, the temperature drop will start on February 14. SD Sanap, senior meteorologist at IMD Pune, stated, “Starting from February 14, Pune will experience a drop in temperature. The minimum temperature will decrease to around 13 degrees Celsius, marking the first significant dip of the month. Another drop is expected towards the end of February.”
This temperature shift is not limited to Pune, as the north-central parts of Maharashtra will also see a decline in minimum temperatures. Anupam Kashyapi, former head of IMD Pune’s weather forecasting division, indicated that regions in north-central Maharashtra and Pune district could see a reduction of two to four degrees Celsius in nighttime temperatures between February 12 and 14.
Experts suggest that the unseasonal warmth earlier this month can be attributed to various factors, including the weakening of western disturbances and shifts in wind patterns. Western disturbances, which generally help regulate winter temperatures in North India, have been less active this season, allowing warm air masses to dominate, raising temperatures in Maharashtra and other central Indian regions. Additionally, southerly winds from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea have kept temperatures elevated, especially at night.
However, a change in wind patterns is expected, with cooler northern winds set to replace the warmer air, bringing temperatures down. For Pune residents, this forecast signals a return to cooler evenings and nights, offering a brief respite before the summer heat fully sets in. Many locals, who have felt discomfort due to the recent high temperatures, are likely to welcome the cooler weather.
Meteorologists will continue to monitor weather patterns, as more temperature fluctuations could occur before the city transitions into the summer months. While Pune has seen unusual warmth in recent weeks, this upcoming temperature drop serves as a reminder of the transitional nature of February. Residents should remain prepared for changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay comfortable during this shift.
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