Journalism of Courage
Pune is likely to see heatwave conditions as most of the weather observatories across the city recorded 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
While the automatic weather station (AWS) in Shivajinagar recorded 40.8 degrees Celsius, the AWS Lohegaon reported 42.7 degrees Celsius, which was the highest recorded here so far this season.
Located at the Air Force station, Lohegaon’s AWS has historically reported higher temperatures than Shivajinagar or Pashan. This area has seen rapid urbanization as well as more vehicular traffic, which tends to keep the area hotter than usual. Thus, while other parts of the city had not breached the 40 degrees mark, this AWS has consistently crossed the 40 degree mark in the past.
A slight dip in temperature was reported earlier this month with cloudy skies and slight hint of rain had given Pune much needed relief. However, the relief seems to have gone with Shivajingar reporting 40.8 degrees Celsius, which has become the trend in the city as well as the district.
In Pune city, Koregaon Park and Pashan recorded 40.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, Baramati 40.3 degrees Celsius and Magarpatta 40.2 degrees Celsius. Across the district, the average range of maximum temperature was in the range of 39-38 degrees, which is expected to continue for the next few days.
Dr Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said for the next few days, heat wave conditions would be set for Rajasthan and Gujarat. Maximum temperatures are set to soar in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh with heat wave conditions likely over northwest Maharashtra. Chances of rain have dimished considerably.
According to IMD, heat wave is a condition when the maximum temperatures is above 40 degrees Celsius and the departure from mean temperature is between 4.5- 6.4 degrees. Continous exposure to heat wave can be fatal for both humans and animals. IMD has advised people to avoid staying under the sun for long and keep themselves hydrated.
