The India Meteorological Department has recorded a sharp rise in day temperatures across Pune, with mercury levels hitting 38 degrees Celsius in several parts of the city. While Shivajinagar and Pashan recorded 36 degrees Celsius on March 6, areas including Lohegaon and Koregaon Park saw the season’s highest levels so far.
Weather officials stated that the maximum temperature is on a steady upward trajectory. Forecasts indicate that the city will hit 37 degrees Celsius over the coming weekend, with a further climb to 38 degrees expected by March 10. While these figures remain within four to five degrees of the seasonal normal, an official heat wave alert will be issued if temperatures breach the 40-degree mark.
The discomfort for residents is being compounded by high relative humidity, which reached 61 per cent at the NDA station and 48 per cent in Shivajinagar. Former weather officials noted that moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are interacting with dry air from north India, creating a “real feel” effect significantly higher than the recorded temperature.
Medical experts have advised the public to limit outdoor movement between noon and 3 pm. There are also concerns for the agricultural sector, as the sudden heat spike could hamper grain filling in standing wheat crops. A yellow alert remains in place for hot and humid conditions in nearby coastal districts, including Mumbai and Thane.
