According to the IMD, the weather is following a normal pattern as March 1-May 31 is considered the pre-monsoon season or summer. (File photo)The maximum and minimum temperatures have been rising across Pune as the weather transitions from winter to summer or pre-monsoon. The daytime temperature was 35.5 degrees Celsius at the Shivajinagar weather station on Tuesday and is expected to rise marginally until it hits the year’s highest of 37 degrees Celsius on Friday.The minimum temperature has also started sliding upward and was around 17 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is expected to keep rising by degrees until the mercury touches 20 degrees Celsius at the Shivajinagar station on March 9.“There is an anticyclonic circulation around 2 to 4 km in the atmosphere. Under such conditions, we see a rise in temperatures. This is expected to continue for the next few days,” says S D Sanap, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune.The anticyclone is present over parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, causing air subsidence, a condition that contributes to rising temperatures. “When there is an anticyclonic circulation, we see that the wind is very calm. There is not much wind flowing at speed,” added Sanap.The anticyclone is not a permanent condition and is likely to be gone in a few days. Sometimes, such anticyclonic circulation persists for a longer period, as happened in 2022 when it lasted 15-20 days. “That’s when we find that the temperature keeps on increasing,” said Sanap.According to the IMD, the weather is currently following a normal pattern as March 1-May 31 is considered the pre-monsoon season or summer. “The end of February and the first few days of March show the gradual rise in temperature associated with transition,” he added.The present maximum and minimum temperatures mark a departure from normal, but this is not very significant. The temperatures at this time of the year align with those recorded in Pune over the last decade. The IMD will issue a heatwave alert only if the departure from normal is greater than 4-5 degrees Celsius and temperatures are around 40 degrees Celsius.Story continues below this ad“Right now, the readings are in the normal range,” said Sanap.Even as the summer warmth sets in, the forecast is for clear skies for the next few days, though the weekend might see cloudy skies towards the afternoons.Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read MoreClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd