Pune: The city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.8°C on Friday, its third-highest Oct temperature since 2014, IMD data showed.The reading was recorded at Shivajinagar as the city continued to experience an early spell of Oct heat following the decline in rainfall activity. An expert from Vagaries of the Weather blog said the highest in the comparison was 35.6°C recorded on Oct 11, 2018, followed by 34.9°C on Oct 1, 2024. Friday’s 34.8°C was the third-highest, he said.The heat is expected to persist over the next week, with India Meteorological Department’s local forecast showing maximum temperatures of around 34-35°C in Pune through Oct 8. Shivajinagar is forecast to touch 35°C on Oct 3 and 4, ease marginally to 34°C on Oct5 and 6, and rise again to 35°C on Oct 7 and 8.The rise will be sharper in some parts of the city. Chinchwad is forecast to reach 36°C on Oct 3 and 4, with the maximum expected to touch 37°C on Oct 5 and 6 before settling around 36°C on Oct 7 and 8. Lohegaon is also expected to record 35°C on Oct 3 and 4 and again on Oct 7 and 8.The latest observations showed the heat was already widespread on Friday, with Lohegaon recording 35°C, Chinchwad 34.5°C, Magarpatta 33.7°C and NDA 33.3°C. There was no rainfall recorded at the listed stations.The early heat comes as the southwest monsoon withdraws from parts of the country and rainfall activity declines. IMD scientists said the lack of rain and decreasing cloud cover would allow temperatures to rise, likely over the next seven to eight days.The early heat comes as the southwest monsoon withdraws from parts of the country and rainfall activity declines. IMD scientists said the lack of rain and decreasing cloud cover would allow temperatures to rise, likely over the next seven to eight days.
