Oct heat arrives early as monsoon grip loosens & temperatures rise; city may hit 35°C in coming days with humidity adding to discomfort

Pune: Maharashtra is experiencing higher temperatures as rainfall activity tapers off, signalling an early onset of Oct heat — a post-monsoon weather phenomenon marked by high daytime temperatures and stifling humidity. In the city, maximum temperature is expected to rise steadily over the next week, touching 35°C or more in several areas.According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), thundershowers and retreating monsoon spells usually linger into the first week of Oct. “But due to early rainfall cessation this year, hotter weather has set in earlier than usual,” IMD scientist SD Sanap said.On Thursday, Shivajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2°C, while Lohegaon and Chinchwad were even warmer at 34.5°C and 34.7°C, respectively. Magarpatta logged 33.6°C and NDA 32.9°C. Humidity levels remained significant across the city, ranging from 36% to 61%, adding to the discomfort.IMD forecast showed that temperatures were expected to rise over the next few days. Pune city is likely to record highs of around 34°C on Friday and Saturday, while Lohegaon, Chinchwad and Koregaon Park could touch 35°C. Most parts of the city are expected to remain in the 33°C to 35°C range till at least Oct 7.Sanap attributed the warming trend to dry weather and clearer skies. “In Oct, rainfall sometimes extends into the month. This time, however, rainfall is less likely, and under clear-sky conditions temperatures are expected to rise. The forecast shows temperatures reaching 35°C over the next seven to eight days,” he said.Met department’s extended-range outlook also signals above-normal temperatures across large parts of Maharashtra during the first half of Oct. Forecasts for Oct 2-8 and Oct 9-15 periods indicate positive temperature anomalies over several regions of the state, suggesting warmer-than-usual conditions are likely to persist.Despite the retreating monsoon, residual moisture in the atmosphere and soil is expected to make the heat feel more oppressive. “As temperatures rise, the existing humidity in the atmosphere increases discomfort levels. The same temperatures during winter would feel less intense because humidity is much lower then,” Sanap said.He said the moisture was largely a remnant of the withdrawing monsoon rather than the result of any fresh moisture incursion. “Even without additional moisture inflow, humidity remains because the monsoon has not completely withdrawn. Moisture retained in the atmosphere and soil continues to influence weather conditions,” the IMD scientist said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Pune | Silver Rate in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Petrol Price in Pune | Diesel Price in Pune | CNG Price in Pune | LPG Price in PuneStay updated with the latest Pune news. Download the TOI App.