Pune, 1st October 2026: The southwest monsoon season has ended with Pune recording 736.2 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30. However, the rainfall distribution remained highly uneven, with around 53% of the season's total rainfall recorded in just one week, between July 3 and 9.
The sharp concentration of rainfall highlights the city's increasingly uneven rainfall pattern, with heavy spells interspersed with relatively dry periods. The data is based on India Meteorological Department (IMD) records for Pune's Shivajinagar observatory.
Despite receiving substantial rainfall during the monsoon, Pune experienced considerable fluctuations in daily rainfall. More than half of the season's total rainfall was recorded in just seven days in July, while the remaining rainfall was spread across nearly four months.
This uneven distribution raises concerns about the reliability of rainfall as a source of water replenishment, particularly when prolonged dry spells follow heavy rain.
The water storage situation in Pune's four major dams shows significant variation compared with last year. While the combined storage remains relatively high, Khadakwasla has recorded a substantial decline.
The four dams currently hold a combined 29.62 TMC of water, equivalent to 94.76% of their total storage capacity. However, Khadakwasla's storage is considerably lower than last year's level, highlighting the differences in water availability across the reservoir system.
| Dam | Current Storage | Last Year's Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Khadakwasla | 48.31% | 95.73% |
| Panshet | 96.47% | 100% |
| Varasgaon | 98.20% | 100% |
| Temghar | 100% | 100% |
| Total (Four Dams) | 94.76% (29.62 TMC) | — |
Amid concerns over drought and water availability, the Maharashtra Government has directed the Water Resources Department to plan reservoir usage so that the available water lasts until August 2027. The government has decided to implement phased water cuts of 10% across urban and rural areas to preserve drinking water sources.
The decision was discussed at a Cabinet subcommittee meeting in Mumbai, where members raised concerns about the current water situation and suggested introducing restrictions immediately. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that several members had recommended a 10% water cut, considering the prevailing conditions.
The directive could affect water supply in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in the coming months. However, the extent and timing of any cuts in the two cities will depend on the authorities' water management plans.
With the monsoon season over, Pune is expected to experience a rise in temperatures from October 1. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain above normal, with El Niño conditions contributing to expectations of intense October heat.
The possibility of rainfall during the first week of October remains low. Limited rainfall and rising temperatures could increase pressure on water resources as the city enters the post-monsoon period.
With rainfall concentrated in a short period and water availability varying across reservoirs, the coming months will require careful management of the available supply. The government's proposed water conservation measures are aimed at ensuring that drinking water remains available through the next summer and until August 2027.