Pune: City and its adjoining regions are currently reeling under extreme heat, with temperatures consistently crossing the 40°C mark and little relief expected in the immediate future. As per forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures are projected to hover between 40°C and 42°C until April 22, with only a marginal dip anticipated thereafter.
Since mid-April, both daytime and nighttime temperatures have been rising steadily, creating sweltering conditions across the city. On Wednesday, Shivajinagar recorded a high of 41.2°C, while areas such as Koregaon Park and Magarpatta registered 40.8°C. Other localities also felt the brunt of the heat: Hadapsar reached 40.2°C, Chinchwad touched 39.1°C, and the National Defence Academy (NDA) reported 38.9°C. A slight reduction was observed on Thursday, with Shivajinagar dropping to 40.1°C, Koregaon Park and Magarpatta also at 40.1°C, Pashan at 40°C, Hadapsar at 39.9°C, Chinchwad at 38.6°C, and NDA at 38.2°C.
Dr. Sudip Kumar, a senior meteorologist with IMD, explained that the hot spell is expected to continue over the next few days. “The region will remain under high heat stress until April 22. Some respite might follow as atmospheric moisture increases, encouraging cloud formation and potentially lowering temperatures slightly,” he said.
The persistent heat is primarily attributed to dry, hot winds blowing in from northern India. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation approximately 1.5 km above ground over northwest Rajasthan is influencing regional weather. This has contributed to the development of a low-pressure zone stretching from northwest India to the Gulf of Mannar, via Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This system may result in isolated rainfall and increased cloud cover later in the week.
Citizens are urged to take preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses—staying indoors during peak afternoon hours, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding direct exposure to the sun.
