Pune witnessed a brief yet impactful bout of unseasonal rain on May 9, logging 11.2 mm of precipitation at Shivajinagar by 5:30 pm—marking the second-highest May rainfall since 2022.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the event followed two to three days of persistent cloud cover, culminating in widespread showers across both urban and hilly regions of the district. As parts of Maharashtra reel under heatwave conditions and deteriorating air quality, the sudden rainfall over Pune brought a welcome respite, not just in terms of temperature but also atmospheric health. The IMD has now issued a yellow alert for the next 48 hours, forecasting continued rainfall in the city and its adjoining ghat regions.
Among city areas, Hadapsar and Pashan recorded the highest rainfall levels on Friday, registering 17.5 mm and 17 mm respectively. Meanwhile, Rajgurunagar in Pune district emerged as the wettest location with 31.5 mm of precipitation. Other city neighbourhoods including Katraj, Kondhwa, Wakad, Aundh, Baner, and central Pune also reported moderate to good rainfall. The 11.2 mm recorded at Shivajinagar is noteworthy, surpassing May 2023’s 9.2 mm but trailing behind the 40.6 mm recorded earlier this month. By comparison, May 2022 witnessed no rainfall, while May 2021 logged a single-day peak of 27 mm. The recent showers continue a trend of increasing unpredictability in seasonal weather patterns, underscoring the ongoing impact of climate variability on Indian urban centres.
Experts from IMD Pune attributed this unusual May precipitation to a confluence of active weather systems. These include a western disturbance manifesting as a cyclonic circulation over northern Pakistan and its adjoining regions, a mid-level trough extending from the Arabian Sea to northeast Rajasthan, and an upper air cyclonic circulation centred over northeast Rajasthan. In addition, a north-south trough extending from northern interior Karnataka to the Gulf of Mannar through Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu is also influencing the current weather activity. This complex meteorological interaction, according to officials, has been driving rainfall across parts of Maharashtra, including Pune, and is expected to sustain light to moderate showers in the city over the next two days.
Aside from the pleasant weather, the rainfall also had a measurable positive impact on Pune’s air quality—a growing concern in recent years due to rapid urbanisation, vehicular congestion, and construction activity. As per data released by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 74 on May 9, categorised as ‘satisfactory’. Most monitoring stations in Pune and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad recorded AQI values below 100, reflecting improved air quality levels. However, not all zones benefited equally. Stations in Hadapsar (104), MIT-Kothrud (135), and Karve Road (233) reported relatively elevated pollution levels, with Karve Nagar witnessing persistent ‘poor’ category readings throughout the day. Nevertheless, environmental observers noted the general trend of improvement as a positive shift, especially when contrasted with the high particulate levels recorded earlier in the month.
While these temporary improvements are welcome, experts caution that short-term meteorological events cannot replace structural solutions to air pollution and climate adaptation. The recent rainfall, though brief, draws attention to the urgent need for sustainable urban planning that takes into account the increasing variability of weather events—often attributed to global climate change. From a broader environmental lens, the rainfall has helped lower the ambient temperature, offering relief from the heat and reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems. This unintended benefit aligns with larger sustainability goals, such as reducing urban carbon footprints through climate-sensitive design and behaviour. A cleaner atmosphere also benefits public health, especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The rainfall event also raises strategic questions for Pune’s civic authorities and state-level disaster management systems. While the current showers were mild and beneficial, unexpected weather during off-season months could pose significant challenges—especially when infrastructure readiness is lacking. Unseasonal rain often tests the limits of stormwater drainage, road conditions, and public transportation resilience. These must be reviewed in the context of future climate preparedness strategies. For urban planners, the current situation provides a live case study in balancing immediate environmental gains with long-term urban resilience. The IMD’s early alert system has proved instrumental in notifying residents and authorities in advance—an encouraging sign of evolving public service capabilities.
The intersection of meteorology, public health, and urban governance becomes particularly evident during such events. Continued collaboration between state agencies, climate researchers, and urban planners is crucial for building a Pune that is both environmentally sustainable and liveable throughout the year. While the skies may clear in the coming days, the message is clear: unseasonal weather is becoming the norm rather than the exception. For Pune and similar Indian cities, embracing adaptive, eco-friendly, and inclusive development models is no longer optional—it is imperative.
Pune Logs Second Highest Rainfall in May 2025
