Maharashtra Experiences Significant Temperature Drop, Pune Forecasts 14°C

Minimum temperatures have dropped significantly across Maharashtra, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revising its forecast for Pune. The city is now expected to see its minimum temperature dip to around 14°C, lower than the previously anticipated 16°C. This decline is part of a broader trend affecting north and central Maharashtra.

Jalgaon recorded a particularly chilly 10.8°C, while Nashik experienced temperatures of 13.4°C. Other notable readings include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Malegaon at 14.2°C, Parbhani at 14.4°C, and Akola at 14.7°C. Most of these temperatures fall below the seasonal average, except for a few areas like Shivajinagar and Lohegaon, where readings remained normal or slightly above normal.

In Pune, specific localities reported varying temperatures, with Shivajinagar at 15.9°C, Pashan at 15.1°C, and Lavale at 18°C. On the outskirts, temperatures dropped more sharply; Haveli recorded 13.5°C, while Malin and Nimgiri noted 13.6°C and 13.9°C, respectively.

Meteorologists attribute this noticeable cooling trend to the retreat of post-monsoon moisture combined with the dominance of dry northerly winds. These conditions have set the stage for rapid nighttime cooling, which is expected to persist, with further drops likely over the next 48 hours.

Cold Wave Conditions Rising in Northwestern India

Cold wave conditions have begun to emerge in parts of northwest India for the first time this season. According to the IMD, regions in east Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh are likely to experience these conditions until November 10. Night temperatures in these areas have already dipped below 10°C and are currently 4-7 degrees below normal.

In pockets of Delhi, east Madhya Pradesh, and west Rajasthan, minimum temperatures are also 2-4 degrees below the seasonal average. The IMD forecasts that night temperatures will continue to remain 2-5 degrees below normal across northwest and adjoining central India for the next six to seven days.

In Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, a further drop of about 2 degrees is anticipated over the next couple of days, followed by a stabilization of temperatures. East India is also expected to see a 2-4 degrees drop in minimum temperatures over the next four days.

Impact on Local Retail and Lifestyle

In Pune, where nighttime temperatures are still relatively mild compared to northern India, local woollen retailers are noticing a modest increase in demand for warm clothing. “Over the past two days, we’ve seen a 15-20% increase in sales of warm clothing,” said Prashant Khandelwal, owner of Prashant Woolens in Tulsibaug. He added that while there is a slight chill in the air at night, daytime temperatures remain warm, leading to a gradual rise in winter wear purchases.

Typically, residents of Pune tend to shop for winter clothing later in the season, waiting for more consistent cold weather. As temperatures continue to drop, local retailers may see a significant boost in sales, reflecting the changing season and the impact of the cooling temperatures across the region.