Pune is experiencing a notable drop in night temperatures as winter sets in, prompting residents to pull out warmer clothing for evening activities. Within a week, the city’s minimum temperature fell sharply by over six degrees Celsius, from 21.9°C on November 3 to 14.3°C on November 9, marking the arrival of Pune’s much-anticipated winter chill. Meteorologists suggest that these cooler nights are likely to persist through the month.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city’s minimum temperature on Monday is forecast at 14°C, with areas like NDA and Pashan expected to be cooler at 13°C. Lohegaon, Chinchwad, Lavale, Magarpatta, and Koregaon Park will see night temperatures around 17°C. By next Saturday, temperatures are predicted to dip further, with NDA and Pashan reaching 11°C and other central areas experiencing lows of 15°C. The daytime warmth remains comparatively high, hovering around 30°C, though Koregaon Park could touch 32°C while Pashan may remain slightly cooler at 28°C. “Clear skies at night allow long-wave radiation to escape, leading to lower minimum temperatures,” explained a former senior IMD official. The northerly winds travelling from the Western Himalayas through the north Indian plains contribute further to the chill, enhancing the effect of Pune’s dry, cloudless nights.
Across Maharashtra, dry weather is prevailing. Evening readings on November 9 recorded Jalgaon as the coolest city at 10.5°C, while Ratnagiri registered the highest at 33.5°C. The Mumbai Meteorological Office forecasts similar dry conditions across Maharashtra and Goa until November 13, with no immediate warnings for agricultural activities. Urban experts highlight the importance of monitoring such seasonal shifts in temperature for city planning, including energy consumption, water usage, and public health preparedness. The persistent low night temperatures may increase heating demands, particularly for vulnerable populations, while warm daytime conditions allow for continued outdoor urban activities.
Residents are advised to adapt to the growing winter season by layering clothing, monitoring local forecasts, and remaining mindful of fluctuating temperatures between day and night. The IMD expects Pune’s “gulabi thand” to remain steady, signalling the official onset of the city’s winter period.
Pune Night Temperatures Fall Sharply As Winter Arrives Across City Areas