Unseasonal rain and thunderstorms forecast in Pune during Diwali week.
Yellow alert issued for Pune and nearby districts.
Residents and farmers advised to stay cautious and delay harvests.
Pune, 16 October 2025: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted unseasonal showers and thunderstorms across Pune and several western Maharashtra districts between October 15 and 22, coinciding with the Diwali festival week. Intermittent rain, cloudy skies, and gusty winds could affect outdoor celebrations, shopping, and travel during the festivities.
Officials have announced a yellow alert for Pune, Satara, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, and Sindhudurg, indicating light to moderate rain with thunderstorms. This weather prediction coincides with significant Diwali celebrations, including Vasubaras on October 17, Dhantrayodashi on October 18, and Narak Chaturdashi on October 20, raising the chances of interruptions to outdoor events.
The IMD stated that despite the southwest monsoon having left Maharashtra, remaining moisture and atmospheric instability are responsible for this late rainfall. The monsoon is anticipated to completely withdraw from India by October 18, affecting Karnataka, Telangana, and the northeastern states.
Officials in Pune have advised locals to exercise caution during thunderstorms and to stay away from open areas when lightning occurs. Additionally, farmers in western Maharashtra have been recommended to postpone the harvesting of crops like soybean and cotton to reduce possible losses due to the unexpected rainfall.