Pune: Pune and its neighbouring areas are experiencing an unusual cold spell, with temperatures plummeting below those of traditionally cooler spots like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala. On Saturday, the lowest temperatures in Pune were recorded at NDA (8.2°C), Loni Kalbhor in Haveli (9.1°C), Malin (9.6°C), Shivajinagar (9.7°C) and Pashan (9.9°C). Just a day before, Pune registered a minimum temperature of 9.5°C, compared to 10.5°C in Mahabaleshwar and 17.7°C in Lonavala.
Meteorologists attribute this rare weather phenomenon to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, which is intensifying into Cyclone Fengal. Although the cyclone is forecast to impact Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala directly, its indirect influence is being felt as far away as Maharashtra.
Cyclone Fengal’s impact
Senior meteorologist Anupam Kashyapi said that the cyclone has greatly reduced humidity levels, which has caused both day and night temperatures in Pune to drop steadily. “The active northerly wind flow, combined with lower humidity levels due to the cyclone, is driving the current chill. This explains why Pune is currently colder than Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, which usually enjoy a cooler climate,” Kashyapi said.
He added that the hilly terrain of Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala likely acts as a barrier to the northern winds, preventing temperatures there from dropping as sharply.
As Cyclone Fengal moves northwest, it is expected to further dry out the air in Maharashtra and central India, allowing colder winds from the north to flow more freely. It could result in even lower night temperatures in Pune over the coming days.
Pune becomes winter hotspot
While Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala remain sought-after for their picturesque views and pleasant weather, Pune’s unexpected chill has turned it into a winter hotspot. With the current trend likely to continue as the cyclone progresses, residents are getting an early preview of the winter season.
