After days of intense summer heat and rising humidity, several parts of Pune witnessed rainfall on Friday, bringing much-needed relief to residents struggling with soaring temperatures. The sudden showers, accompanied by cloudy skies and cool winds, led to a noticeable drop in temperature across the city.
In Pune, showers began after 3 pm in areas like Keshavnagar, Mundhwa, and Kharadi, followed by light rain in Aundh, Baner, Balewadi, Sangvi, and Shivajinagar around 4 pm. Heavy rainfall was also reported in Wadachiwadi, Pisoli, Handewadi, and Hokarwadi.
The rainfall comes amid a broader weather shift predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and moderate rainfall across multiple districts of Maharashtra over the next 24 hours. Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Solapur, parts of Marathwada, and the south Konkan-Goa belt are among the regions expected to witness continued weather activity.
Meteorologists say Maharashtra is currently experiencing unstable weather conditions due to the ongoing heatwave, rising temperatures, and moisture build-up, which are creating favourable conditions for sudden rain, thunderstorms, and lightning.
In Pune, light to moderate showers brought much-needed relief after weeks of intense heat. The rainfall slowed traffic in some areas due to waterlogging and low visibility, while residents shared visuals of the unexpected showers on social media.
The IMD has warned of possible hailstorms, gusty winds, and lightning in several parts of Maharashtra. Districts such as Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Satara have already reported increased cloud activity, with more rainfall expected across western Maharashtra in the coming hours.
Marathwada is also witnessing unstable weather, with intermittent rain and lightning likely, while the system may extend to parts of central Karnataka as well. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, not to take shelter under trees, and to limit unnecessary travel. Farmers have been urged to protect crops and livestock from sudden weather changes.
While the rain has brought temporary relief from the heatwave, officials say fluctuating weather conditions are likely to continue across Maharashtra over the next few days.