Pune: The city is experiencing an unusually harsh Oct, recording eight days with maximum temperatures of 35°C or more from Oct 1 to 14, the highest such count for the month in at least 12 years. Nights have offered little respite, with minimum temperatures staying above 21°C on nine occasions, heightening concerns over heat stress and the lack of adequate overnight cooling.The combination of scorching afternoons and warm nights has left many residents struggling with fatigue and discomfort. “This Oct has been extremely warm and reminds me of summer. I have been increasingly feeling drained even while staying at home. The heat feels relentless, and it’s becoming difficult to feel comfortable during the day. Even indoors, I find it hard to feel refreshed. Power cuts are making the situation worse,” Aditi Kothari, a resident of Lohegaon, said.The unusually warm nights have compounded the discomfort. While drought-hit Oct 2019 recorded only four nights with minimum temperatures above 21°C during the first fortnight, Oct 2026 has already seen nine such nights. Although Oct 2024 recorded 13 warm nights during the same period, persistent rainfall and cloud cover that year helped limit daytime heating. This year, repeated 35°C-plus days coupled with above-normal night temperatures have intensified the overall sense of heat.An expert from weather blog Vagaries of Weather said, “Not only have night temperatures been high, day temperatures have also been significantly above normal. Pune has recorded eight days with temperatures of 35°C or higher this Oct so far. This is the highest number of 35°C-plus days for the month at least since 2014.”Doctors said the prolonged heat was taking a visible toll on public health. “Those most affected are people recovering from viral infections or dengue. Common complaints include muscle cramps, extreme exhaustion, low energy levels, excessive sweating, cold and clammy skin and throbbing headaches,” Dr Hillary Rodrigues, a family physician, said.According to Dr Rodrigues, warm nights and excessive sweating are also disrupting sleep, leaving people irritable, fatigued and low on energy the next day. “The most vulnerable are those who are ill or recovering from illness, senior citizens and people who spend long hours outdoors like sales personnel, autorickshaw drivers and schoolchildren. People should stay well hydrated, wear loose, light-coloured clothing, use caps or hats outdoors and avoid venturing out during peak afternoon heat whenever possible,” Dr Rodrigues said.Residents across the city said the weather felt more like summer than the post-monsoon season. “I’m experiencing summer-like symptoms, including dry eyes, exhaustion and a persistent dry cough,” Shweta Sharma, a resident of NIBM Road, said.“I’m also finding it difficult to sleep and travelling around the city has become increasingly uncomfortable. Oct in previous years was much more pleasant, with rain or post-monsoon showers bringing relief from the heat,” she added.
