3 min readPuneUpdated: Mar 7, 2026 03:32 PM ISTThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the maximum temperature is on an upward trajectory. The likely maximum over this weekend will be 37 degree Celsius. (Express File Photo)With day temperature soaring to its highest levels this year, Pune has been sweating. The city reeled under 36 degrees Celsius on March 6, according to the Shivajinagar and Pashan stations. The maximum temperature in Chinchwad and NDA were also 36 degree Celsius. Koregaon Park and Lohegaon was the hottest at 38 degree Celsius.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the maximum temperature is on an upward trajectory. The likely maximum over this weekend will be 37 degree Celsius. From March 10, the maximum is expected to rise to 38 degree Celsius.IMD officials say that, till now, the warmth is less than 4-5 degrees above normal and can be considered normal. If the present trend continues and the maximum temperature crosses 40 degree, IMD will issue an alert for a heat wave.A yellow alert has been issued in certain parts of Maharashtra, especially in isolated areas of Konkan, such as Mumbai and Thane, for March 8 and 9. These regions are witnessing hot and humid conditions in isolated locations. As March passes into April, the days are going to get progressively hotter across Maharashtra.The humidity level, too, has added to the discomfort in Pune. The relative humidity (RH) recorded at the Shivajinagar station was 48 per cent on Friday morning, while it was 32 per cent in Lohegaon, 41 per cent in Chinchwad and 47 per cent in Lavale. NDA had the highest RH at 61 per cent.“The real feel is higher than the actual temperature, i.e. people are feeling warmer than how hot it really is. This is largely due to an upper air interaction with the wind blowing in from the Bay of Bengal through Odisha and the southern states into Maharashtra and that coming from north and central India. The presence of moisture in the air is making us sweat and feel hotter,” said Anupam Kashyapi, former head of the weather forecasting division at IMD.He points out that, unlike the maximum temperature, the morning temperature is not rising greatly and appears to have stabilised at least for next few days. On Friday, the minimum temperature was 15.4 degree C in Shivajinagar and Pashan, and 14 degree C in NDA. Chinchwad was among the places with the highest minimum temperature, 21 degree C, in Pune. “These readings have been fairly constant since February second half. The minimum will rise by one or two degrees only in the next few days after mid March,” said Kashyapi.Story continues below this adAccording to him, people are advised not to step out between noon and 3 pm. “One should drink water or a liquid before leaving home. After returning, wait for a while before drinking water at normal temperature again,” he said. For farmers, the present high temperature could pose a problem if they have standing crops such as wheat. “If the temperature increase coincides with flowering or early grain filling stages, the production is likely to be hampered,” said Kashyapi, who was also a crop advisor at IMD.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 LtdTags:pune