Pune: The city has recorded its highest rainfall for the month of April in over a century, breaking a record that stood since 1896. Heavy rain lashed Pune on Thursday afternoon, bringing thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) recorded the highest rainfall at 84 mm. Shivajinagar received 65 mm, Hadapsar 42 mm, Pashan 36.3 mm, Chinchwad 28.5 mm, and Lohegaon 21 mm of rainfall.
According to weather data, the previous highest April rainfall in Pune was 51.1 mm on April 4, 1896. Other notable records include 48.2 mm on April 6, 1953, and 31.6 mm on April 28, 1959. In recent years, rainfall in April has stayed much lower.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms with lightning and rain in Pune and nearby areas till April 4. Officials stated that a trough in the easterlies and a western disturbance in northwest India created conditions conducive to thunderclouds, resulting in rain and hailstorms.
The rain was accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph. Nearby areas also received rainfall. Malin recorded 18.5 mm, Dudulgaon 13.5 mm, and Narayangaon 12 mm. Haveli saw very little rain at 0.5 mm, while Ballalwadi recorded 1 mm.
After the rain, temperatures in the city dropped below normal. The maximum temperature in Shivajinagar was 34.6°C, which is 2.6°C below normal. Similar temperatures were recorded in NDA, Chinchwad, and Hadapsar. Pashan was slightly warmer at 35.1°C.
Weather officials said daytime temperatures will remain below normal for the next few days due to cloud cover. The temperature is expected to rise again from April 5 and may reach 37°C. By April 8, it could go up to 38°C.
The minimum temperature was around 19.9°C in Shivajinagar and NDA, while Pashan recorded 20.1°C. Night temperatures are expected to stay stable as cloud cover prevents heat from escaping.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for hailstorms in Marathwada on April 3. This will be followed by a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning for the next two days. Vidarbha is also under a yellow alert till April 5. However, no major rainfall was reported in these regions on Friday.
