Cloudy skies and a significant drop in temperatures have provided much-needed relief to Pune residents. Recently, the city’s maximum temperatures, which typically range between 38-41 degrees Celsius, have plummeted to around 30-31 degrees Celsius over the last 48 hours. This unusual weather pattern raises questions about its duration, as pre-monsoon days are generally characterised by higher temperatures.
Cyclone Remal's influence
Anupam Kashyapi, the former head of weather forecasting at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), attributed the cooler temperatures to the moisture influx from the Arabian Sea, a consequence of Cyclone Remal. While the cyclone caused severe damage and fatalities in West Bengal, it had a minimal direct impact on Maharashtra. However, the cyclone’s effects are evident in Pune’s temperature drop.
Short-lived relief and rising temperatures
Kashyapi warned that the respite from the heat might be temporary. Cyclone Remal has established a westerly wind pattern, leading to moisture depletion in Maharashtra and southern Gujarat. Consequently, a sharp rise in daytime temperatures is anticipated in west-central India, affecting regions such as Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and southern Madhya Pradesh.
Monsoon arrival concerns
The pressing question is how Cyclone Remal will influence the southwest monsoon's arrival. The IMD had forecasted the monsoon's onset over Kerala by May 31, typically reaching Maharashtra in the first week of June. Kashyapi noted that reduced moisture over the Bay of Bengal could delay the monsoon’s arrival in northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram by a day or two.
Monsoon outlook
Despite these delays, Kashyapi remained optimistic about the overall monsoon progress. He indicated that the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon has not experienced significant moisture depletion, suggesting a normal onset over Kerala and other parts of the country.
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