Why October heat has made an early appearance in Pune?

IMD scientists stated that the present discomfort was mainly due to the presence of humidity in the air, coupled with cloudless skies which is causing heat to be trapped in the area. Over the last few days, monsoon has hit a pause in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra, causing the conditions which has led to the present sultry state.

The weather office said this could continue for at least two days after which a low-pressure area that is likely to form over the Arabian Sea is expected to trigger rainfall in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. The rain could lead to a respite from the present conditions.

Pune has seen maximum temperatures cross the 30-degree mark in August prior to this too. The highest temperature recorded in the city in the month of August was in 1950 when the mercury had touched 35 degree Celsius.

Last year, the highest temperature was 33.7 degree Celsius in August, which was the second highest in the last 10 years for the month. A similar rise cannot be ruled out in the coming days, experts said.

The month of August started on a dry note with Pune district recording an 88 per cent deficit in rainfall. In July, rainfall in the region was just about normal. Monsoon arrived in the city early this year but after June showers have been sporadic. Heavy rainfall in June and parts of July, however, filled up the dams that supply water to Pune city well ahead of time.