After intense heat throughout March, Punekars are heaving a sigh of relief. Pune and surrounding areas witnessed a significant drop in temperatures and some clouding in the last couple of days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cooling trend may persist in the coming days. They have also predicted light rain from April 1 to 3.
Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in coordination with state health authorities, has intensified surveillance to prevent and monitor the health impacts of extreme heat. So far, no major heatstroke cases have been reported in the city and nearby areas.
Data from the Maharashtra Health Department shows that 23 heatstroke cases have been reported this March. Several districts have reported cases of heatstroke including Gadchiroli with four cases, Buldhana with three, Nagpur with three, Latur with two, Palghar with two, Parbhani with two and one case each from Nanded, Nashik, Osmanabad, Raigad, Sangli, Thane and Wardha. No deaths have been reported so far.
According to data provided by the health department, Maharashtra reported 347 heatstroke cases and one confirmed death due to heatstroke in 2024, while there were 3,191 cases and 14 deaths in 2023.
To prevent cases of heatstroke, a total of 2,746 cold rooms are available across Maharashtra, including 220 in Pune, located at 101 primary health centres, 19 rural hospitals, 94 urban health centres and one district hospital.
The state department has also issued an advisory to tackle the heatstroke cases. Officials from the district hospital said, "Medical officers at district and municipal levels have received training on heatstroke management. We urge residents to take necessary precautions and have issued health advisories."
