Looking at the earlier forecasts of below-normal rainfall due to the anticipated impact of the El Niño weather pattern, Pune city has recorded its wettest July in more than a century.
The city has received over 523 mm of rainfall during July by breaking the previous record set in 1907 and marking it as the highest July rainfall in 119 years.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier cautioned that El Niño conditions could weaken the southwest monsoon and raised concerns about below-average rainfall. However the persistent and intense showers throughout July has overturned those predictions, by majorly boosting rainfall across Pune and its surrounding regions.
The delayed arrival of the monsoon had resulted in a substantial rainfall deficit during June which has led to to concerns over water availability and the possibility of shortages. Conditions changed dramatically from July 1, with the monsoon becoming heavily active and and brought continuous heavy rainfall across the city and district.
The ghat regions of Pune district have experienced particularly intense rainfall during the month. Areas such as Tamhini and Lonavala which are known for receiving heavy monsoon showers, recorded more than 500 mm of rainfall in a single day during the peak spell of the season.
Weather officials continue to monitor rainfall patterns closely as the monsoon remains active over Maharashtra.