Reversal of trend: Pune’s Lohegaon, Chinchwad areas received excess rain this monsoon; Shivajinagar, Pashan saw deficit

Historically, Shivajinagar and Pashan have received more rainfall than Lohegaon and Chinchwad. The weather department’s figures indicate that Shivajinagar, Chinchwad and Pashan normally receive 605.7 mm of rainfall during June 1 to September 30, while Lohegaon receives 503.3 mm of rainfall. The trend has reversed this year with Chinchwad and Lohegon receiving 801 mm and 568.9 mm of rainfall, respectively. On the other hand, Shivajinagar and Pashan recorded 446.2 mm and 556.3 mm of rainfall, respectively. Thus both Shivajinagar and Pashan have reported a rain deficit, while Chinchwad and Lohegaon have seen excess rainfall.

Kashyapi said, “The monsoon was not full-fledged this year and there were long dry spells during the period. Thus, areas which have historically received more rainfall have reported a deficit.” He added that both Lohegon and Chinchwad also reported more thunder and lightning this year. “Of course, it is just this year and not a trend,” he said.

At the end of September, Pune district as a whole received 94 per cent of the normal rainfall, while Maharashtra received 97 per cent even as nine districts reported a deficit. After making a late entry in Pune, the monsoon covered the state faster than usual. While June and August saw exceptionally poor outcomes in terms of rainfall, July and September brought some relief for the state.

The final days of September have been good for Pune given the development of low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal which have delayed the withdrawal of the monsoon. The end-of-season showers as well as the rain in the first week of October have led to a boost in the overall rainfall in Pune.