PUNE: Scorching heat hit residents across the city on Sunday as several locations recorded maximum temperatures above the 40°C mark.According to the weather report from India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lohegaon emerged as the hottest pocket in the region, recording a maximum of 41.9°C. It was closely followed by Koregaon Park at 41.8°C and Shivajinagar, which saw the mercury touching 40.7°C. Chinchwad too hit the 40°C threshold.The rise in temperatures is attributed to a pre-rainfall system over Karnataka and adjoining Maharashtra. “An anti-cyclonic circulation lies over interior Maharashtra and adjoining Telangana and north interior Karnataka in lower and middle tropospheric levels,” the weather department said.IMD’s forecast for Monday said a partly cloudy sky would become generally cloudy towards afternoon or evening. Thunderstorm with lightning and light rain are very likely, the bureau added.Other areas like Magarpatta (39.9°C) and Lavale (39.5°C) narrowly stayed below the 40-degree mark but still experienced intense heat.Relative humidity levels remained low, dropping as low as 17% in Lohegaon, further contributing to the dry and parched conditions.“Isolated light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) likely over coastal Maharashtra during April 19 to 21, and Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada during April 19 to 23,” a senior IMD official said.No rainfall was recorded across any of the observation stations, including Pashan, NDA and Lavale.With the summer heat peaking, people have been advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during the afternoon.
