Early monsoon raises hope for escape from heat wave

Anupam Kashyapi, former head weather forecasting, of India Meteorological Department (IMD) said this was in sharp contrast with last year’s condition when the monsoon had not reached Kerala till June 8. “In contrast, this time it is likely to reach Pune and Nagpur by June 8. Onset over Mumbai by June 8 also can’t be ruled out,” he said.

At present Maharashtra is experiencing moisture incursion – which Kashyapi said was the first step towards the onset of monsoon. This moisture will give rise to thunder activities associated with pre-monsoon rain. Pune has not received pre-monsoon rain this month, more of which could be seen in the last month. May has been the wettest for the last few years thanks to pre monsoon rain.

The maximum temperature over Pune and other areas of the city has crossed 35 degrees Celsius, but feels like 40 degrees Celsius due to lack of moisture in the air and cloud cover. Northern India is reeling under a severe heat wave, which has seen multiple cases of heat stroke. Some parts of Maharashtra have also seen heat-wave-like conditions, which is expected to be eased with the advent of monsoon.