Heavy thunderstorms accompanied by rain, lightning, and gusty winds lashed Pune on Thursday morning, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the sudden spell of intense rainfall to a depression that has developed over the Arabian Sea, influencing weather conditions across Maharashtra’s western and central regions.
According to IMD officials, the depression is currently centered off the Konkan coast, drawing in moisture-laden winds that triggered thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall across Pune and neighboring districts. The downpour, which began in the early hours, intensified during the morning rush hour, causing long traffic snarls on major routes such as JM Road, Sinhagad Road, and the Pune-Mumbai Highway. Several low-lying areas, including Kothrud, Baner, and Camp, reported instances of waterlogging, inconveniencing commuters and residents.
“Moisture convergence due to the depression over the Arabian Sea and the existing wind shear over the region led to the development of thunderclouds over the Pune metropolitan area. The activity is likely to subside by tomorrow,” said an IMD Pune official. The department issued a yellow alert for parts of Pune district, cautioning residents about lightning strikes and localized heavy rain.
Meteorological data indicates that Pune recorded an average of 28 mm of rainfall between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Thursday. Temperatures dropped noticeably, with the maximum settling around 25°C — a significant dip from the seasonal average. Visibility at the Pune Airport was also briefly reduced due to low clouds and precipitation, though no major flight disruptions were reported.
The IMD has forecast that the weather system over the Arabian Sea will gradually weaken as it moves westward, allowing conditions to stabilize across western Maharashtra. The department expects partly cloudy to clear skies by Friday, October 31, with dry and pleasant weather likely to prevail through the weekend. This will come as a relief to residents following two days of intermittent showers and thunder activity.
City officials stated that emergency response teams were deployed early in the morning to manage waterlogging and traffic congestion. “Pumps have been installed in vulnerable spots to clear standing water, and our teams are on alert for any emergencies,” a Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) spokesperson said.
The recent spell of unseasonal rain highlights the growing unpredictability of weather patterns over the Deccan Plateau, often linked to changing monsoon dynamics and the increasing frequency of sea-based weather systems. Meteorologists note that while post-monsoon showers are not unusual, the intensity and timing of such thunderstorms have become more erratic in recent years.
As Pune gears up for a drier weekend, residents have been advised to remain cautious during late evening hours on Thursday when isolated thunderstorms may still occur. The IMD continues to monitor the Arabian Sea depression closely and has urged citizens to follow official weather updates for timely advisories.
