Pune: After a brief lull, unseasonal rain made a strong comeback in Pune on Friday afternoon, catching residents off guard and disrupting routine activities across the city and suburbs. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued cloudy skies and light to moderate rain with gusty winds for the next five days in the region.
Sudden Downpour Brings Pune to a Halt
On Friday afternoon, several parts of Pune city experienced intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Areas including Deccan, Karvenagar, Shivajinagar, and the Peth regions witnessed heavy showers that caused traffic snarls and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Morning skies were already overcast, creating a humid atmosphere that soon turned into a full-blown rain spell by afternoon. Commuters were seen scrambling for cover as the showers intensified, leading to slow traffic movement and localized flooding.
Western Disturbance Behind the Weather Shift
According to the IMD’s Shivajinagar office, the ongoing weather fluctuations are a result of a western disturbance, which has been influencing Maharashtra’s central and western belt for the last two days. The shift brought down Pune’s daytime temperature by nearly 4°C below normal, with Friday’s maximum temperature recorded at 32.08°C and minimum at 21.07°C.
Winds moving at 30 to 40 km/h have been recorded in the region, creating a significant drop in the “feels-like” temperature and enhancing the chill factor. The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious and carry umbrellas or raincoats while venturing out over the next few days.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Also Lashed by Rain
Heavy rain was also reported in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, with reports of water accumulation in low-lying spots. Traffic movement was slightly affected as sudden showers led to slippery roads and visibility issues.
City Under Cloud Cover Until Next Week
Meteorologists have predicted that cloudy skies, intermittent rain, and thunderstorm activity will persist over Pune city and adjoining areas until at least the middle of next week. Residents are advised to prepare for changing weather patterns and possible power disruptions due to gusty winds.
Forecast for Pune (Next 5 Days)
| Date | Weather Outlook | Wind Speed | Rain Possibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2025 | Cloudy with afternoon showers | 30–40 km/h | Moderate |
| May 18, 2025 | Cloudy with isolated rain & thunder | 25–35 km/h | Light to Moderate |
| May 19, 2025 | Cloudy, chance of evening rainfall | 30–40 km/h | Moderate |
| May 20, 2025 | Partly cloudy, brief showers expected | 20–30 km/h | Light |
| May 21, 2025 | Mostly cloudy, scattered rain | 25–35 km/h | Light to Moderate |
Heatwave Alerts for Other Parts of Maharashtra
While Pune is battling unseasonal rain, heatwave conditions continue to grip eastern Maharashtra. Temperatures in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli have crossed 42°C, prompting the IMD to issue an orange alert for heatwave-like conditions. Bhandara and Gondia are under a yellow alert for rising temperatures on April 28. Nagpur has seen persistent highs above 44°C for the last few days.
Meanwhile, Mumbai has seen a marginal rise in daytime temperature, with chances of light drizzles in isolated areas, as per the latest IMD forecast.