Pune Braces for Lok Sabha Elections Amidst IMD’s Orange Alert for Hailstorm

Pune, 12th May 2024: On Saturday, May 11th, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an ‘Orange Alert’, indicating an impending hailstorm in certain parts of Pune, Satara, Latur, and Nanded Districts, for today. Meanwhile, Pune is gearing up for Lok Sabha elections scheduled for Monday (13th May). The IMD forecasts partly cloudy skies with chances of rain, thunder, and lightning on that day.

The city experienced sweltering heat, with maximum temperatures consistently above average. However, relief came on Friday afternoon when torrential rain poured down, providing respite to Pune residents. Saturday saw the lowest maximum temperature recorded at the Pune observatory this month, with the mercury settling at an average of 37.8 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature, recorded at 21.2 degrees Celsius, dropped by 1.1 degrees Celsius from the average due to heavy rains in the city and surrounding areas on Friday (10th May) afternoon, providing relief to the people of Pune who had been disturbed by the heat of the night.

Torrential rains have affected most parts of the state, and the IMD has warned of rain showers continuing today. Additionally, a hail warning has been issued for isolated places in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Central Maharashtra. The rainy weather has brought relief from the scorching heat. Akola recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 42.5 degrees Celsius. Other areas such as Jalgaon (41.7 degrees Celsius), Amravati (41), Brahmapuri (40.9), Chandrapur (42), Washim (41.4), Wardha (41.5), and Yavatmal (40) also recorded high temperatures.

A cyclonic wind condition prevails along the Kerala coast in the southeast Arabian Sea, while a low-pressure belt remains active from Marathwada to Karnataka and from Kerala to the Comorin region. Monsoon rains have commenced in the state, with a warning of rain accompanied by gale-force winds expected on Sunday. The IMD has issued an orange alert for hailstorms in Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha.

Thunderstorm Warning (Orange Alert):

Pune, Satara, Latur, Nanded.

Heavy Rain Warning (Yellow Alert):

Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Dharashiv, Yavatmal, Wardha, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli.