Pune: City has recorded its highest May rainfall in a decade, receiving 116.8 mm between May 1 and May 21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This figure surpasses the 112.7 mm logged in May 2015, marking the wettest May since then.
So far this month, Pune has experienced eight rainy days—the most for May in the past ten years. The ongoing pre-monsoon spell has already outpaced 2021’s total May rainfall of 88.8 mm, with widespread showers reported across the city. On Wednesday evening alone, the National Defence Academy (NDA) area registered a staggering 103 mm of rain, while Chinchwad and Kondhwa also witnessed intense downpours.
As per IMD data for 03 UTC on May 22, the highest rainfall was recorded in NDA at 111 mm, followed by Magarpatta (81.5 mm), Dudulgaon (68 mm), Dhamdhere and Purandar (39.5 mm each), and Rajgurunagar (31.5 mm). Other areas such as Hadapsar, Narayangaon, Talegaon, and Baramati also saw moderate showers.
Weather conditions began shifting in early May after initial daytime temperatures soared to around 40°C. From May 7 onward, pre-monsoon systems started developing, leading to frequent rain. Areas like Kothrud, Shivajinagar, Sinhagad Road, and Hadapsar were particularly affected, with heavy rainfall causing waterlogging, uprooted trees, and traffic snarls, especially on May 9, 18, and 19.
The IMD has issued several orange and yellow alerts this month due to intensified convective activity. May 20 marked the most significant rainfall event, with Chinchwad receiving nearly 100 mm and Shivajinagar logging 40.5 mm in 24 hours—both the highest daily totals recorded so far this month.
Meteorologists attribute the unusual rainfall to a combination of strong westerly winds, moisture-laden air from the Arabian Sea, and upper-air cyclonic circulations. Experts warn that such unseasonal weather may become increasingly frequent due to changing climate patterns.
Rain is expected to continue across Pune until at least May 25, with the IMD forecasting isolated heavy showers on May 23 and 24. With nine days still remaining in the month and continued rainfall likely, the city could potentially break its all-time May rainfall record.
Currently, a cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka-Goa coast is showing signs of developing into a low-pressure system, which may intensify into a depression. This evolving weather pattern is expected to bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada.
An orange alert is in place for Pune, Satara, Kolhapur (especially the ghat regions), Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg from May 21 to 23. Officials have advised citizens to exercise caution, avoid waterlogged areas, and remain indoors during thunderstorms.
In related developments, the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive earlier than usual this year. Its onset over Kerala is likely between May 24 and 25—the earliest in 15 years. The monsoon is projected to reach Goa and Sindhudurg by around May 28.
