Pune: The cold wave in Pune is set to intensify as minimum temperatures are expected to drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius over the next two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12.8 degrees Celsius in the city on Sunday, a slight dip from 13.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
Colder nights were reported in areas such as NDA, Pashan, Aundh, Talegaon, and Lavasa. By Monday, January 20, Pune's minimum temperature is predicted to drop to 12 degrees Celsius, while clear skies and mild morning fog are expected. The minimum temperature is likely to rise slightly to 13 degrees Celsius by Wednesday, January 22.
Maximum temperatures, however, remain stable around 30 degrees Celsius. Despite weak La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean, meteorologist Manikrao Khule stated that these conditions, along with the Madden-Julian Oscillation over the Indian Ocean, are unlikely to significantly impact Maharashtra’s weather.
Causes Behind the Intensifying Cold
The sharp drop in temperatures is attributed to a combination of atmospheric conditions:
A slanted low-pressure system extending from Gujarat to Rajasthan at an altitude of approximately 1 kilometer.
Successive western disturbances in northern India and moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea have caused rain, snowfall, and cold conditions in the north, indirectly impacting Maharashtra.
A high-pressure system over Odisha has moved toward Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, pulling colder air masses southward through Bihar and Jharkhand into Maharashtra.
Residents in Pune and nearby areas are advised to prepare for colder weather in the coming days, especially during the nights.
