IMD Extends Heavy Rainfall Alert for Pune’s Ghat Regions, Light Showers Expected in City

Pune, 7th September 2024: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its heavy rainfall warning for the ghat areas of Pune district, with the advisory now in place until September 8. While the ghat regions are expected to experience significant rain, Pune city itself is forecasted to receive only light showers, which are unlikely to cause major disruptions during the Ganesh festival celebrations.

IMD scientist S.D. Sanap explained that a low-pressure system is currently situated over the central and northern Bay of Bengal. “This weather system is predicted to move slowly northward and may develop into a depression around September 9, impacting the northwest Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas, including the Gangetic West Bengal, northern Odisha, and Bangladesh coasts,” Sanap stated. He further noted that the system’s movement would lead to heavy rainfall in isolated areas within the ghat regions, while Pune city would experience only minimal precipitation.

Sanap highlighted that such low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal generally strengthen the monsoon winds. “When these moisture-laden winds encounter the Western Ghats, they rise due to the terrain, causing significant rainfall on the windward side of the ghats. However, as the winds move over the plains, they lose much of their moisture, resulting in lighter rains in areas like Pune city,” he explained.

Recent rainfall data supports this phenomenon, with certain ghat areas receiving notable rainfall in the 24 hours ending Friday morning. Lonavala recorded 81 mm of rain, while Shirgaon saw 70 mm. A yellow alert remains in effect for the ghats of Pune district due to the expected rainfall.

For Pune city, the IMD has forecasted light rain for the next five days. “This level of rain is unlikely to cause any significant disruption to the Ganesh festival events,” Sanap reassured. He added, “We are closely monitoring the weather situation and will provide timely updates if there are any changes in the forecast.”

The IMD urges residents in the ghat regions to remain cautious while the advisory is in place and advises minimal travel to affected areas during periods of heavy rainfall.