PUNE: The city of Pune continues to experience minimal rainfall despite the surrounding ghat regions receiving substantial showers over the past few days. According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this disparity may soon change with a potential improvement in rainfall around mid-week.
On Monday, Shivajinagar recorded a meagre 0.7mm of rainfall, while Pashan and Lavale saw slightly higher figures at 1.9mm and 2.5mm, respectively. Lohegaon registered 1.2mm of rain. In stark contrast, the ghat areas, such as Lonavla, experienced significant downpours with 39.5mm of rain on the same day. A scientist from IMD-Pune, shed light on the variation in rainfall patterns between the ghat regions and Pune city. He explained that the ghat areas are benefiting from their proximity to the offshore trough, which enhances rainfall along the coastal and adjacent high-altitude areas. However, as the rain-bearing clouds move inland, they lose a significant portion of their moisture, resulting in reduced precipitation in the interior regions of Maharashtra, including Pune. Over the past few days, Pune has predominantly seen cloudy skies and occasional light drizzles, falling short of the moderate to heavy rainfall experienced in the ghats. According to IMD guidelines, moderate showers range from 15.6mm to 64.4mm per day, a benchmark that Pune city has yet to achieve this monsoon season.
The scientist expressed optimism regarding an imminent shift in the weather pattern. He indicated that while heavy rainfall might not be expected in the interior regions, Pune could anticipate light to moderate showers from July 3-4. This forecast brings a glimmer of hope for the city, which has been eagerly awaiting substantial rainfall. Rainfall data as of 5:30 PM on July 1 highlighted the significant contrast between the ghat areas and urban Pune. Lonavla’s impressive 39.5mm of rain was a stark contrast to Koregaon Park’s scant 0.5mm. Other notable rainfall measurements included Malin with 11.5mm, Nimgiri at 4mm, Rajgurunagar and Talegaon each recording 3.5mm, and Khed with 3mm. As the monsoon progresses, the IMD’s forecast offers a cautious yet hopeful outlook for Pune’s rainfall situation. The city looks forward to the anticipated showers that may bring much-needed relief from the prolonged dry spell.
