After a few days of intense heatwave-like conditions, Pune is expected to experience some relief as cloudy skies and light rain are forecasted to cool down the city. However, this respite may not last long, as summer temperatures are predicted to rise again soon. Anupam Kashyapi, the former head of climate forecasting at the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), stated that the cloudy skies are the result of moisture being drawn in from the Bay of Bengal, along with the influence of opposing wind patterns over southeastern Maharashtra and nearby areas. He said, "This will bring clouds with light rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder, starting from March 15 onwards." This change is expected to lower the maximum temperatures, which have been exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in various parts of Pune city and the district for several days. Summer has begun in Pune and its surrounding areas earlier than expected. In recent days, Pune has been reporting temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and above in various locations, including Koregaon Park, Lohegaon, Shirur, and Dhamdhere. January recorded the highest temperatures in a decade, making it extremely hot. After a relatively cooler February, March has turned very warm, prompting the IMD to urge people to take precautions against heat waves. Residents are advised to avoid going out between 11 am and 4 pm and to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. Nights have also been uncomfortably warm, with minimum temperatures remaining higher than usual. Kashyapi, while explaining the heatwave-like situation, said it was primarily due to a lack of winter rains. "The soil in Maharashtra is typically black cotton or red, which absorbs heat more than usual. As a result, summer has started earlier, and the soil's inability to cool down has led to the current conditions," he said, adding that the summer has become longer and more extreme.
