Pune, The onset of April has brought with it a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis, as Maharashtra experiences a significant surge in temperatures, with several regions recording maximum temperatures well beyond the 40°C threshold.
This intense heatwave not only poses immediate health risks to the populace but also underscores the growing urgency for sustainable urban planning and mitigation strategies to combat the adverse effects of a warming planet. On Monday, Pune witnessed an unprecedented heat surge this season, with all three of its observatories registering temperatures exceeding 40°C. Lohegaon emerged as the hottest point in the city, recording a sweltering 42.2°C. This peak surpassed the previous high of 41.4°C recorded in Pashan just the day before, and also exceeded Lohegaon’s earlier high. India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials have issued warnings indicating that this intense heat is likely to persist or even escalate over the next few days across the city, demanding heightened public awareness and precautionary measures.
A senior IMD official attributed this sharp rise in day temperatures to the prevailing clear skies and dry atmospheric conditions that have enveloped the entire state, including Pune. The official further cautioned about the potential for further temperature increases in the days ahead, amplifying concerns about public health and the strain on essential resources. Pashan, the second-hottest locality in Pune on Monday, endured a maximum temperature of 40.7°C, highlighting the widespread impact of this heatwave across the urban landscape. Shivajinagar, a key area in Pune, also recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 40.2°C, which was a significant 2.8 degrees above the seasonal norm. A Met official pointed out the complex interplay of local factors influencing temperature variations within the city, including construction activities and the proliferation of high-rise buildings. These urban heat island effects are known to trap heat and elevate local temperatures, a phenomenon that is likely to continue shaping the city’s microclimate in the future. The recent temperature spike follows a brief respite last week, characterised by cloudy skies and light rainfall, which had temporarily brought the mercury in Shivajinagar down to below 35°C.
The lived experience of citizens underscores the severity of the heat. One salesperson, who commutes extensively on a two-wheeler, described the heat intensity as “unbearable,” noting it was the first time this season the exhaustion felt so profound. Across the city, people were observed taking makeshift precautions, covering their faces with handkerchiefs and scarves to shield themselves from the scorching sun during the afternoon peak hours. The heatwave’s impact extends beyond Pune, with Akola registering the highest temperature in the state at a blistering 44.2°C. The Vidarbha region bore the brunt of the extreme heat, with Brahmapuri (43.8°C), Amravati (43.6°C), and Chandrapur (43.6°C) all recording temperatures exceeding 43°C. Other cities in the region, including Nagpur (42.4°C), Wardha (42°C), and Yavatmal (42°C), also experienced intensely hot conditions, making outdoor activity during the day exceedingly difficult. Similar oppressive heat prevailed in Jalgaon (42.5°C) and Solapur (42°C).
Nashik city witnessed a dramatic temperature surge over the past week, with the mercury climbing by a substantial 6.9 degrees to reach a seasonal high of 40.3°C on Monday. Residents reported actively avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day to mitigate the health risks associated with the intense heat. Malegaon, also in the Nashik district, recorded an even higher maximum temperature of 41.6°C, further highlighting the regional severity of the heatwave. The IMD has issued a forecast of hot and humid conditions for isolated areas within the Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar districts for the subsequent two days, indicating a continued period of thermal stress. The Marathwada region also experienced significant temperature elevations, with Parbhani (42.1°C), Beed (41.9°C), and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (41°C) all recording maximum temperatures well above normal, with departures ranging from 2.3 to 3.8 degrees.
This widespread and intense heatwave across Maharashtra serves as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change on urban environments and public health. The rising temperatures not only threaten the well-being of citizens but also place increased strain on energy and water resources, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, the promotion of green infrastructure to mitigate urban heat island effects, and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions to foster more resilient and liveable cities in the face of a changing climate. Public awareness campaigns and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses are also crucial in navigating these increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
Pune Crosses 40 Degrees Heat Intensifies
