By Shivli Singh
Cold weather will send out a clear cloud over Pune, with a clear sky that follows, dry northerly and north-easterly winds dragging down minimum temperatures in the district. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), some of the city’s pockets also recorded sub-13°C lows – Shivajinagar hit a low of 12.8 degrees Celsius, with the Pashan level dropping slightly further.
The downward trend, which has been in the offing for some time, is not expected to return soon, officials say, because the atmosphere would mean more vigorous cooling at night. “In cloud-free skies, the heat we take in during the day is rapidly released at night,” meteorologists said. As the northern dry winds approach, Pune’s first week of December sees a reduced temperature in an earlier and stronger manner.
At other times in the week, minimums are expected to drop another 1–2°C (or cooler) compared to the past week, the IMD said. Neighbouring areas, particularly Lohegaon and Chinchwad, faced a gradual decrease too, with temperature ranges ranging from 13°C to 15°C. Peripheral and semi-rural belts around the district, especially those with larger landscapes, could bring even cooler nighttime temperatures.
During the past two days, residents have experienced cooler early morning temperatures, leading schools and early commuters to pull out winter clothes earlier than expected — a trend further apparent in the national outlook that warned that potentially cold-wave conditions could be emerging in some regions of central and eastern India. Those states, which include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand, will experience steep drops in minimum temperatures as dry northerly winds hit the region.
In some states officials have already released advisories for populations at heightened risk, including infants, the elderly and people with existing respiratory illnesses. Seemingly sudden, early-December cold fashions are common, but researchers at IMD said this year’s pattern suggests a more marked winter beginning in parts of Maharashtra.
Around mid-December, Pune’s temperature curve is expected to stabilise, but for now morning joggers, cyclists and outdoor workers may need to prepare more than normal for a cold morning. Health experts advise using layers to limit exposure to cold air at abruptly elevated temperatures and reduce respiratory risk from a dry, cool wind. As temperatures are reported to fall yet again this week, Pune’s residents need to prepare for crisp, cool mornings against a much brighter, sunnier winter sky.