Pune has been drenched again as the monsoon made a strong return following a brief dry spell. With heavy rainfall forecast over the coming days, weather officials have issued fresh alerts. Civic authorities are on high alert, bracing for possible waterlogging and disruptions, while residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to stay cautious amid intensifying conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for the Pune region, forecasting intermittent heavy rain through the next few days. Thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, and sudden downpours are expected, with authorities advising residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant. The renewed rains follow an early monsoon onset in late May. However, a short break in rainfall was observed during the first week of June, raising concerns about water storage.
The rainfall has now resumed with greater intensity, particularly in suburbs such as Pimpri-Chinchwad, where over 80 mm of rain was recorded in a single day last week. Civic officials have confirmed that all major stormwater drains, culverts, and pumping stations are being monitored. Emergency response teams are on standby to address waterlogging and prevent overflow in key urban zones. “We are coordinating drainage clearance operations with pre-deployed teams and equipment,” noted a senior official.
The rainfall has also added to the catchment inflows of the city’s key dams—Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar—which currently hold about 5.46 TMC of water, up from 4.25 TMC during the same period last year. Officials assure that, for now, the reservoir levels are adequate, but continued rainfall is essential to secure water availability through the dry season.
The current pattern of rainfall, triggered by moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to persist till the end of June. Meteorologists warn that back-to-back spells may strain Pune’s ageing drainage network, especially in older city zones that lack modern infrastructure. In response, Pune is integrating weather tech and citizen reporting platforms.
The municipal body has activated real-time alerts through social media and app-based services, urging citizens to stay indoors during storm alerts and report any blocked drains or high-risk flooding spots. As the monsoon builds momentum, Pune finds itself at a crucial junction. By strengthening its climate resilience through coordinated urban planning, the city has the chance to transform rain risks into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.
