It was the coolest first half of April in a decade with the average maximum temperature being just above 36°C. But the second half of the month seems to have taken a leaf out of Dhurandhar 2’s theme and channeled all honsla and eendhan to seek badla on its cool prelude. The city breached the 40°C mark in the last couple of days and as per IMD’s forecast, the situation will be similar for the next few days at least. Lohegaon is boiling at 42°C, while Shivajinagar at 41°C.The heat is such that even if you step out at around 10.30 am, you’ll feel the stinging heat. The kind that turns a five-minute errand into something you think twice about or postpone to the evening when it’s comparatively cooler. Online, the reactions to the rise in temperature have been immediate. Memes about stepping out and instantly regretting it, screenshots of 40°C+ temperature warnings, and constant commentary about how April is already feeling like peak May have been popping up on social feeds. Summarising the situation in a word, a Reddit user simply wrote, “Cooked.” Another one replied and wrote, “Live tandoor.”
Punekars reacting to Pune Summer Heat (Source: reddit)
38°C to 42°CAverage max temperature till April 22Max temp in the last couple of days41.8°C: Lohegaon 40.4°C: Koregaon Park40°C: Wadgaon Sheri39.9°C: ShivajinagarWhy the high temp?The rise in temperatures is attributed to an anti-cyclonic system over Karnataka and adjoining Maharashtra by experts. Has a heatwave been declared in Pune?Not yet. One of the criteria for a heatwave to be declared is if the actual max temperature is more than 45°C in two stations of a sub-division for at least two days.
Punekars never back down from a good meme (Source: @whatsinpune/Instagram)
‘Avoid direct sun exposure where possible’Authorities are urging people to avoid stepping out in peak hours and have also issued SOPs for those who don’t have the option to stay indoors due to their work. Explaining why the heat feels so draining during this time of year, Dr Megh Shaligram, a medical expert at KEM Hospital, Pune, says, “In Pune’s dry heat, people often underestimate how quickly dehydration sets in. You may not feel sweaty, but the body is still losing fluids. Prolonged exposure during peak hours can lead to fatigue, headaches and even early signs of heat exhaustion.” He adds, “What’s important is not just drinking water, but spacing it out throughout the day and avoiding direct sun exposure where possible, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon.”
Punekars are burning with heat this April (Source: @beingpunekar/Instagram)
Strays in the sunThe heat is equally unbearable for animals and birds. Strays tucked under parked cars, stretched out in narrow strips of shade, or pressed against compound walls to escape the heat is a common sight during summer. The least you can do to help them beat the heat is place bowls of water in your vicinity and avoid shooing them away if they’re seated in shade.
