Pune: Following the Holi festival, the temperature has risen sharply in Vidarbha as well as Pune. Akola recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3°C, while cities like Nagpur, Brahmapuri, Chandrapur, and Wardha are also experiencing a rapid increase in temperatures, causing discomfort to residents.
Heatwave in Pune
In Pune and its surrounding areas, maximum temperatures have crossed the 40°C mark. On Wednesday (March 12) , Rajgurunagar recorded 40.7°C, while Koregaon Park, Shirur, and Talegaon Dhamdhere also reported temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Reduced Traffic, Empty Streets
With temperatures soaring after 2 PM, major roads in Pune saw a decline in traffic movement. Areas such as Laxmi Road, Jangli Maharaj Road, Bajirao Road, and Karve Road witnessed significantly lower footfall, as people preferred staying indoors or seeking shade.
Heatwave Alert Issued by Meteorological Department
The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for certain districts in Vidarbha from March 11 to 13. Cities like Nagpur, Akola, Chandrapur, Brahmapuri, Amravati, and Wardha are expected to experience high temperatures in the coming days.
Further Rise in Temperatures Expected
This year, summer intensity was noticeable as early as mid-February. Since the beginning of March, temperatures have been rising rapidly, and forecasts suggest that the heat will continue to increase in the coming days, staying above the seasonal average.
Temperature Report in Pune (City-wise):
Rajgurunagar – 40.7°C
Shirur – 40.6°C
Talegaon Dhamdhere – 40.3°C
Koregaon Park – 40.2°C
Purandar – 39.9°C
Balewadi – 39.8°C
Chinchwad – 39.1°C
Hadapsar – 38.9°C
Shivajinagar – 38.2°C
Precautionary Measures for Citizens
With rising temperatures and a heatwave warning in place, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions:
Avoid going out during peak afternoon hours if possible.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Wear light, cotton clothing to stay cool.
Use caps, sunglasses, and sunscreen while stepping out in the sun.