Pune, 22nd June 2026: Heavy pre-monsoon rain on Sunday afternoon lash the city after a prolonged dry spell since the beginning of June. Accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds, the rain brought much-needed relief from the intense heat and humidity that had troubled residents for several days.
However, the sudden downpour also led to traffic congestion, waterlogging, power outages and several incidents across the city.
The weather remained clear through the morning before dark clouds gathered in the afternoon. Around 3 pm, heavy showers lashed several parts of the city, including Deccan, Shivajinagar, Sinhagad Road, Baner, Aundh, Balewadi, Kothrud, Swargate, Dhankawadi, Katraj, Hadapsar, Kondhwa, Bavdhan, Pashan and Bibvewadi.
While some areas received intense rainfall, others experienced moderate showers. The sudden rain caught many commuters off guard, especially two-wheeler riders. Traffic movement also slowed on several major roads.
The first major rainfall of the season exposed gaps in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s pre-monsoon preparations. Water accumulated on roads in several localities, making potholes difficult to spot and increasing the risk of accidents.
Residents alleged that silt removed during drain-cleaning operations had been left on roadsides. During the rain, much of this silt was reportedly washed back into stormwater drains. In many places, garbage clogged drainage chambers, preventing proper water flow and worsening waterlogging.
Questions were also raised over the effectiveness of civic spending aimed at preventing flooding. The drainage department had allocated ₹12.5 crore for waterlogging mitigation works, including projects in the Lagad Mala.
However, residents claimed that drainage improvements were carried out in locations where flooding was not a major issue. Meanwhile, vulnerable spots continued to face the same problems. The situation has led to criticism of the planning and execution of the works.
Rainwater carried oily waste and debris from roadside garbage deposits onto streets, making some stretches dangerously slippery. To prevent accidents, fire brigade personnel, assisted by police, barricaded affected spots near Gunjan Chowk in Yerawada and Bremen Chowk in Aundh.
The thunderstorm disrupted power supply in several parts of Pune, including Kothrud, Baner, Dhankawadi, Katraj, Dhayari, Narhe, Sinhagad Road and Hadapsar. Residents complained that power cuts continue to occur even during brief spells of rain.
They urged authorities to implement permanent solutions to improve the reliability of the electricity network.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune is likely to witness partly cloudy skies over the next four days. Light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in parts of the city.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious while travelling and during outdoor activities.