Pune: Cold Wave Tightens Grip, Temperatures Set to Drop Further Till December 18
In an abrupt weather shift, Maharashtra has been gripped by a cold wave, with minimum temperatures plunging across the state. Pune recorded a low of 12.3°C on Tuesday, December 10, while Jalgaon emerged as the coldest location with a chilling 8°C. Other cities, including Nashik (9.4°C), Ahilyanagar (11.7°C), and Nagpur (12°C), also experienced significant drops in temperature. Meteorologists predict that the cold spell will persist until December 18.
Cold Winds from North India Intensify Chill
A western disturbance from Pakistan has sent icy winds southward, intensifying the cold conditions across Maharashtra. Pune, after experiencing unusually warm nights earlier in December, is now facing a steady decline in temperatures due to these northern winds. The clear skies and absence of rainfall have further exacerbated the cooling trend.
Temperature Snapshot Across Maharashtra (Last 24 Hours):
- Jalgaon: 8°C
- Nashik: 9.4°C
- Ahilyanagar: 11.7°C
- Pune: 12.3°C
- Nagpur: 12°C
- Mumbai (Santacruz): 18°C
Other areas like Amravati (12.3°C), Kolhapur (19.1°C), and Mahabaleshwar (13.2°C) have also reported unseasonably cold weather.
A Sudden Shift in Weather Patterns
The sharp drop follows a period of warmer-than-usual temperatures, attributed to the Fengal cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, which disrupted northern wind flows. With the cyclone’s impact diminishing, the cold winds have returned, causing temperatures to drop rapidly.
Pune, which recorded 9.7°C on November 30, saw a temporary increase in early December, with minimum temperatures rising by 2 to 3 degrees. However, the mercury has dipped again, with forecasts suggesting further cooling in the coming days.
Outlook for the Days Ahead
Meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expect the current cold wave to continue statewide until at least December 18. While Pune’s temperatures are unlikely to reach single digits, residents are advised to brace for chilly mornings and evenings as winter deepens.
