Pune has left even Vidarbha, traditionally Maharashtra’s hottest region, in the dust as temperatures surged to a blistering 37°C (99°F) on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Lohgaon recorded the city’s highest temperature, with humidity plunging to a parched 16% and winds blowing at 9 mph from the northwest.
While Vidarbha’s cities like Nagpur and Amravati are known for extreme summer heat, Pune’s unexpected spike has raised alarms. The city’s iconic "pleasant climate" reputation is under threat as dry, sunny conditions dominate, with UV indexes hitting a dangerous 11 (classified as "extreme risk"). Local weather experts attribute the surge to delayed monsoon pre-monsoon showers and urban heat island effects from rapid infrastructure growth.
Lohgaon, home to Pune’s airport and open scrubland, bore the brunt of the heat, with concrete structures and limited green cover exacerbating temperatures. Residents reported dehydration cases, while street vendors and traffic police struggled under the relentless sun. "I’ve never seen Pune this hot in April," said Ramesh Patil, a tea stall owner near Shivajinagar.
WeatherAPI’s data shows no relief until at least April 22, with sunny skies and highs of 37°C persisting. The absence of cloud cover (3%) and zero precipitation signal a prolonged dry spell. Doctors advise staying indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM, hydrating frequently, and using sunscreen with SPF 50+.
Environmentalists warn that Pune’s rising temperatures mirror broader climate shifts. "Unplanned urban sprawl and shrinking green belts are turning Pune into a furnace," said activist Dr. Priya Deshmukh. The PMC has yet to announce heat action plans, despite the crisis.
