Pune, 12th September 2026: Rain is likely to return to Pune during the initial days of Ganeshotsav, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting rainfall in parts of Maharashtra from September 12 to 15. The forecast is linked to a low-pressure area that has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The system developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and moved towards the South Odisha-North Andhra Pradesh coast. It is expected to move west-northwestward and strengthen over the next 24 hours, bringing rain to several parts of Maharashtra.
For Pune and other parts of Central Maharashtra, the IMD has forecast widespread rainfall between September 12 and 15. Thunderstorms and isolated spells of heavy rain are also possible in parts of the state.
Shivajinagar weather station has recorded 690.3 mm of rain between June 1 and September 11. However, the seasonal total hides a major imbalance in rainfall distribution. Around 76% of the rainfall was recorded in July alone, while the city has experienced a prolonged dry spell since then.
Shivajinagar has now gone 42 days without receiving double-digit rainfall in a single day. The uneven distribution means that Pune received a substantial amount of rain during one month but has seen limited rainfall during the later part of the monsoon.
According to the IMD forecast:
Vidarbha: Widespread rain from September 11 to 14
Marathwada: Rain on September 12 and 13
Central Maharashtra: Widespread rain from September 12 to 15
Konkan: Rain from September 12 to 17
The low-pressure system is expected to bring thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall to some areas.
The long break in rainfall has affected several parts of Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada and Vidarbha. As of September 11, 21 of the state's 36 districts had received rainfall that was 20% or more below their average.
The rainfall deficit has affected kharif crops in several districts. The expected rain over the coming days could provide some relief to farmers and improve water availability in areas facing shortages.
