Pune: The intense cold that had gripped Pune over the last week has started to ease, providing some relief to residents. Since Friday, December 20, the minimum temperature in the city has risen, resulting in a reduction of the chilling cold.

On Thursday, the minimum temperature had dropped to 8°C, but by Friday, it had increased to 12°C, bringing some comfort to the people of Pune. Shivajinagar recorded 16.4°C on Saturday (December 21), while NDA was at 15.2°C, Lohegaon 16.8°C, and Pashan 16.3°C.

Cold, dry winds from the northern regions are making their way toward Maharashtra, contributing to the ongoing winter in the state. While the cold wave persists in certain parts of the state, temperatures in some areas have dropped below 10°C, causing residents to experience shivering.

However, in the next couple of days, although the cold will continue, a rise in the minimum temperature is expected. The Bay of Bengal has seen the formation of a significant low-pressure area. This system is likely to reach the northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh coast on Friday, December 20.

On December 20, Shivajinagar recorded a temperature of 12.5°C, and the NDA area, which is typically the coldest in the city, recorded a low temperature of 11.5°C.

Former Meteorologist Manikrao Khule has predicted that the cold wave will subside in the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise by Tuesday, December 24. Although the weather may feel slightly warmer, a fresh cold wave is expected around December 30, marking the conclusion of the year and the start of the New Year.