Be ready for above-normal heatwave days in Pune this summer, says IMD

The IMD released a seasonal outlook for the summer on Saturday, which is a long-term forecast of heatwave impact on the country from April to June

Even though the start of April in Pune has been relatively cooler, and the mercury is expected to be around average for the next few days, the city may experience above-average temperatures later this month and throughout the summer, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Overhead cloth put up in Tulshi Baug for protection during summer on Saturday. ((HT PHOTO)

The IMD released a seasonal outlook for the summer on Saturday, which is a long-term forecast of heatwave impact on the country from April to June.

From April to June, the weather department predicts above-normal heatwave days in most parts of central, east, and northwest India. Maharashtra, along with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are among the Indian states that are expected to experience significantly more heatwaves.

A warning for above-normal heatwave days has also been issued in the long-term forecast for a large portion of Maharashtra.

Accordingly, Pune is also likely to be impacted by the heatwave and will experience above-normal temperatures during this summer season.

In Maharashtra, almost half of the state including some parts of Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and some districts from the Vidarbha region will feel the effects of the heat wave.

Pune will also experience the heatwave impact and consequently, the citizen will have to suffer due to excess heat, said weather experts.

Speaking about the weather forecast for the city, Anupam Kashyapi, the head of the weather forecasting division said, “The maximum temperature in the city is rising and it will continue to rise for the next 72 hours. But it will be not as severe compared to the heatwave. There will be no immediate impact of a heatwave on Pune city.”

IMD scientist KS Hosalikar urged citizens to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from heat.

The IMD also issued a rainfall prediction for April 2023, stating that the country as a whole is most likely to experience normal rainfall (88-112% of LPA) during this period.

Most of Northwest, Central, and Peninsular India can expect normal to above-normal rainfall, while East and Northeast India, as well as some areas along India’s west coast, can expect below-normal rainfall.