Parts of Pune city reported hailstorms and gusty winds on Thursday afternoon while some other parts reported light to very light rains. Despite the relief brought by the rains and hail, most parts of the city experienced scorching temperatures with the maximum temperature inching close to 40 degrees Celsius during the morning and afternoon.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted light to very light rains with thunder and lightning in the evening, and while the temperature remained high during the day, the slight rainfall and hail in the afternoon provided some respite, albeit only in certain areas. However, roads in several areas were submerged in water, causing traffic to slow down and people getting stranded on their way home from work or college.
Hailstorms were reported in Moshi, Alandi, Kothrud, Shri Ram Colony, Baner, and Bavdhan, with bystanders noting that Thursday’s hailstorm was perhaps the longest duration of hail experienced. Some other parts of the city, including Koregaon Park, Pune Station, Shivajinagar, Dapodi, and Pimpri, reported light to very light rains. Shivajinagar’s observatory recorded 1.1 mm of rain throughout the day.
The maximum temperature recorded in the city was 38.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was 21.1 degrees Celsius. However, parts of the city like Koregaon Park, Magarpatta, Lavale, and Chinchwad reported temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. With the temperature trend predicted to remain near 40 degrees Celsius, no relief is in sight for Pune in the near future.