Monsoon rains have finally graced Pune, providing much-needed respite after a period of dry weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted generally cloudy skies with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain for the coming days. While Pune experienced mild rainfall, the surrounding regions saw more significant precipitation.
Lonavla recorded the highest rainfall at 68mm from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, followed by Lavasa at 40mm. Other notable rainfall measurements included Girivan (23mm), Nimgiri (18.5mm), and Malin (15.5mm). Within Pune city, areas such as NDA (5.5mm), Pashan (5.4mm), and Shivajinagar (5mm) received light showers during the same period. An official from IMD Pune elaborated on the meteorological factors contributing to the rain. “An active offshore trough at mean sea level along the Maharashtra-north Kerala coast is causing this revival. The pressure gradient is steep over northern Maharashtra, and we’re observing increased westerly winds from the Arabian Sea,” she explained.
The entire Konkan coast has been experiencing widespread and even extremely heavy rainfall, prompting the IMD to issue red and orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rains in the Konkan region and the Madhya Maharashtra ghats over the next few days. “Pune city can expect light to moderate rains during the next 3-4 days,” added the head of weather forecasting. The IMD has also issued advisories for farmers in the region, recommending the postponement of transplantation activities for rice, finger millet, and vegetables in Konkan due to the adverse weather conditions. The Met department has not ruled out instances of localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and the closure of underpasses, particularly in the urban areas of Konkan and the Madhya Maharashtra ghats.
As the rains continue, the authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The revival of monsoon rains, while a relief to some areas, poses challenges that require careful management and response.
