Pune: Tamhini Ghat in Pune district has recorded the highest rainfall in India during the 2024 monsoon season, with an astounding 9,644 mm of rain.

This makes it the region with the most rainfall in the country, surpassing even Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, which received 7,303.7 mm, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Western Ghats region, where Tamhini Ghat is located, is known for its heavy monsoons, but this year’s figure has set a new record. Other areas in Maharashtra, including Bhimashankar, Shirgaon, Lavasa, Lonavala, and Davdi, also witnessed significant rainfall, ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 mm.

Furthermore, popular hill stations and forest areas such as Mahabaleshwar, Koyna, and Gaganbawda saw exceptionally high rainfall, contributing to an active monsoon season in the state.

According to IMD Pune's meteorologist S.D. Sanap, the Sahyadri mountain range played a pivotal role in the formation of clouds that brought heavy rainfall to Tamhini.

"The geography of Tamhini Ghat, situated in the Western Ghats and close to the Arabian Sea, makes it a hotspot for intense monsoon activity," said Sanap.

He added that the strong monsoon flow from the Arabian Sea, combined with weather systems over Gujarat and Maharashtra, significantly boosted the rainfall in the area.