Unseasonal rains bring down temperatures in Pune; showers likely on Saturday says IMD

Representation Pic

Unseasonal rains brought much-needed respite from the scorching heat to Pune city and the surrounding areas on Friday afternoon, reported news agency PTI.

Lohegaon area in the city recorded the highest rainfall of 58 mm while Wadgaonsherri and Shivajinagar recorded 37.5 mm and 28 mm of rain, respectively, till 5.30 pm, the IMD said.

At least 29 incidents of tree fall due to the strong winds were recorded between 3.30 pm and 7 pm, the fire brigade said.

A tree caught fire after a lightning strike in Hadapsar area.

As per the IMD release, showers were also likely on Saturday.

Heatwave paralyses Mumbai-Pune expressway

The intense heat sweeping across the state isn't just inconveniencing commuters on their way to work, but it's also disrupting the plans of families and friends heading for vacations to various destinations across Pune, Sangli, Satara, and the Konkan region.

According to reports from the highway police, breakdowns of both cars and heavy vehicles due to the heat are causing traffic jams on the Mumbai Pune Express Highway. The Maharashtra State Highway Police claim that in April alone, approximately 211 vehicles, predominantly cars during the day and heavy vehicles at night, experienced breakdowns on the ghat section.

The data from the highway police stated that, on weekdays, there are typically 35,000 to 40,000 cars and heavy vehicles moving along the highway. However, during weekends, this number spikes to 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles on both the ghat and express highway. This route isn't just used by vehicles heading towards Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur. A significant portion of travellers bound for Konkan, including Ratnagiri and other regions, opt for this road. Being a state highway, it also serves as a route for vehicles heading towards Karnataka and other southern areas, contributing to the increased traffic flow.