Pune witnessed intense unseasonal rainfall that shattered a 130-year-old record, causing widespread disruption across the city. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Shivajinagar recorded 65mm rainfall in a single day, the highest ever for April since records began in 1896. The previous record stood at 51.1mm on April 4, 1896.
Several areas across Pune reported heavy rainfall, with Khadakwasla receiving 107mm, Ambegaon 86.4mm, NDA 84mm, Garware 84.4mm, Hadapsar 42.5mm, Pashan 36.3mm, and Dapodi 29mm. The sudden downpour led to waterlogging in multiple parts of the city, submerging key roads and affecting daily life.
The impact of the weather extended to air travel as well. An IndiGo flight (6E522) from Ahmedabad to Pune was diverted to Goa due to poor weather conditions. The diversion highlights the severity of the storm, which reduced visibility and created unsafe landing conditions.
Although the rain brought relief from the ongoing heat, it also exposed infrastructural challenges. Even after the rain subsided, large amounts of water remained accumulated across several areas. Citizens took to social media and public platforms to criticize the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the government over poor drainage management and delayed response to waterlogging.
Despite the rain stopping, water continues to remain on roads, showing the failure of the system to handle such situations as several residents expressing frustration over recurring civic issues.
The rainfall marked the fourth consecutive day of showers in the city, offering temporary relief from rising temperatures but raising concerns about preparedness. The IMD has predicted that rainfall activity is likely to continue until April 4, keeping Pune on alert for further disruptions.
