Pune Records Third-Highest July Rainfall Ever at 114.1 mm
Pune, July 2024: Pune experienced its third-highest July rainfall ever on Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting 114.1 mm of rainfall. This event ranks as the tenth-highest rainfall ever recorded in the city. The highest ever recorded was on October 10, 2010, with 181.1 mm.
IMD Issues Red Alert
The IMD has issued a red alert for Pune and its surrounding regions for tomorrow. Since Wednesday night, the area has been experiencing incessant rainfall. Tamhini Ghat, in particular, recorded 560 mm of rain, which the IMD classified as exceptionally heavy.
Heavy Rainfall in Ghat Areas
- Lavasa: 453.5 mm
- Lonavala: 322.5 mm
- Shivaji Nagar: 114.1 mm
- Chinchwad: 175 mm
These measurements indicate unusually high rainfall levels.
Weather Systems at Play
The IMD attributes the heavy rain to several weather systems:
- Cyclonic Circulation: Over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh.
- Monsoon Trough: Active and near its normal position, expected to remain so for the next four to five days.
- Offshore Trough: Running along the south Gujarat-north Kerala coast.
These combined effects have led to heavy and intense rain evenly distributed across the district. The IMD had predicted above-normal rainfall for July, which has been realized due to the active monsoon trough.
Impact on Schools and Dams
In response to the red alert, Suhas Diwase, District Collector, declared Thursday a holiday for all schools in the district.
The heavy rainfall has significantly improved water levels in the region’s dams:
- Khadakwasla Dam: 96% full, leading to multiple discharges.
- Temghar Dam: 53.67% full.
- Varasgaon Dam: 59.14% full.
- Panshet Dam: 71.62% full.
The irrigation department has continued discharges from Khadakwasla and other dams in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall.
For more updates, stay tuned to the IMD website and local news sources. Ensure to take necessary precautions and stay safe during this period of heavy rainfall.