Pune Heatwave Alert: February Temperatures Soar, Experts Predict Scorching Summer

Pune's afternoon temperatures are uncomfortably high, surpassing 35 degrees, while morning and evening lows are dropping. Meteorologists predict a harsher summer ahead, with worsening temperature variations across the city, leading to extreme heat in some areas. This trend is driven by rising construction, vehicle traffic, and increased air conditioning usage in large companies.

Furthermore, unusual weather patterns have resulted in hot January conditions, with February experiencing high-pressure systems in the upper atmosphere and cold northern winds, intensifying the heat. A similar weather pattern is expected in March, likely resulting in record February temperatures.

Shivajinagar's temperature, which recorded 30 to 32 degrees in January and over 34 to 35 degrees in February, sets a benchmark for the city. The hottest areas, Vadgaonsheri and Koregaon Park, have recorded the highest temperatures in recent years. Koregaon Park, once celebrated for its greenery and coolness, has unfortunately lost this reputation and is now among the city's hottest spots.

February temperatures in Shivajinagar have risen significantly over the past five years:

1. 2025: 34.4
2. 2024: 33.51
3. 2023: 32.76
4. 2022: 32.2
5. 2021: 32.3
6. 2020: 31.31

This shows a five-degree increase in just five years. The upward trend in Shivajinagar's February temperatures is evident, with figures rising from 31 degrees in 2020 to above 35 degrees now.

The increasing temperatures are not limited to Pune but are a widespread phenomenon, suggesting a particularly intense summer ahead. Many felt the onset of summer as early as January, and with rising maximum temperatures, February is proving to be quite hot, according to Dr. Ramchandra Sable, Senior Meteorologist.

Recent minimum temperatures have been recorded as follows:

1. 20th February: 14.7
2. 19th February: 14.9
3. 18th February: 15.1
4. 17th February: 12.9
5. 16th February: 12.8
6. 15th February: 13.4