Maharashtra Shivers: Unprecedented Cold Grips the State

Imagine waking up in what’s typically considered a bustling plains city, only to find it’s colder than a renowned hill station known for its pleasant chill. Well, that’s precisely the scenario unfolding across Maharashtra right now, as an unprecedented cold wave sweeps through the state. Pune, in particular, has become the poster child for this surprising weather phenomenon, recording temperatures that have left everyone, quite frankly, a little taken aback.

On a recent crisp morning, the mercury in Pune dipped to a startling 8.4 degrees Celsius. Now, that’s chilly, right? But here’s the kicker: at the very same time, Mahabaleshwar, the beloved hill station synonymous with cool breezes and misty mornings, was a comparatively balmy 12 degrees Celsius. It's the kind of news that makes you double-check the weather app and then perhaps your calendar. Usually, we associate those crisp, biting temperatures with a getaway to the hills, not a major metropolitan hub.

This isn't just a Pune story, mind you. The entire region is feeling the bite. Nashik has been shivering at a frigid 6.8 degrees Celsius, while Aurangabad wasn't far behind at 8.3 degrees. Further afield, Jalgaon recorded an equally bracing 6.7 degrees, and Ahmednagar saw temperatures of 9.2 degrees Celsius. It's a widespread chill that’s truly gripped Maharashtra, making residents scramble for their warmest blankets and extra layers of clothing.

So, what's behind this unseasonal shiver? Meteorologists point to strong northerly winds, carrying cold air from the northern parts of India down into the Deccan plateau. These winds are effectively turning Maharashtra into an unexpectedly cool pocket, even as winter is still officially settling in. Predictably, this sudden drop has seen a surge in demand for hot beverages, with chai stalls doing brisk business, and many opting for bonfires and heaters to fend off the unusual cold.

While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggests a slight rise in temperatures might be on the horizon after December 10-11, the forecast indicates that the overall chill will likely persist, remaining below normal for this time of year. So, for now, Mumbaikars, Punekars, and everyone else across Maharashtra better keep those sweaters handy. It seems nature has decided to give the state an unexpectedly icy, albeit intriguing, preview of winter.