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Pune's Driest October Since 2014 Sparks Climate Concerns
1 Nov
Summary
- October 2026 saw Pune record its lowest rainfall since 2014, with only 1.7 mm.
- Unusually high temperatures accompanied the near-absence of rain in October.
- Early monsoon withdrawal and anticyclone formation contributed to dry conditions.
Pune experienced its driest October on record in 2026, with the Shivajinagar IMD station measuring just 1.7 mm of rainfall, the lowest since 2014. This period also saw unseasonably high temperatures, with the average maximum reaching 34.66 degrees Celsius.
The primary reasons cited for the severe deficit include the early withdrawal of the southwest monsoon on October 3rd, significantly before the usual October 10th date. Furthermore, the typical post-monsoon thunderstorms that usually bring rain to Pune were notably absent.
Weather experts also pointed to the early formation of an anticyclone, a high-pressure system, over Gujarat. This system influenced Maharashtra, leading to predominantly dry conditions and minimal cloud cover throughout the month. The usual moisture transport from the Bay of Bengal also failed to reach Maharashtra.
While some might link the dry spell to El Nino, experts cautioned against it, noting that 2015, an El Nino year, saw considerably more rainfall in October. The IMD forecast suggests above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to persist across much of the country into November 2026.
