After weeks of rising temperatures, heavy rainfall in Pune on Thursday brought much-needed relief from the heat. However, the showers also led to power outages in several parts of the city, raising concerns about the city’s infrastructure readiness.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is expected to continue across parts of Pune, Mumbai, and other districts in Maharashtra.
“Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) are likely in isolated places,”
the IMD said in its forecast for Pune and surrounding Ghats.
Power Cuts Frustrate Pune Residents
The showers, although welcomed for bringing down the temperature, disrupted electricity supply in areas such as Sadashiv Peth, Khadakwasla, Wagholi, and Lohegaon-Wagholi.
Residents took to social media to express their frustration:
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“Power supply has been disrupted in Sadashiv Peth for the past hour. Will it be restored only after the monsoon?” one user questioned.
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Another wrote, “Not even a proper downpour and yet power failure begins in Pune. Why do we pay more for such unreliable service?”
Some citizens criticized the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), questioning the preparedness of the infrastructure.
In response, MSEDCL apologized and shared a helpline:
“To register power failure complaints, users can give a missed call from their registered mobile number on 022-50897100 or SMS NOPOWER to 9930399303 for the earliest resolution.”
Rain Forecast for Maharashtra
The IMD has issued:
- An orange alert for Pune city, warning residents of slippery roads and the risk of vehicle skidding.
- A yellow alert for Raigad, Sindhudurg, Nashik, Kolhapur, Satara, and Sangli.
- An orange alert for Chandrapur, Wardha, and Yavatmal, where hailstorms and gusty winds are expected.
BJP MLA Hemant Rasane also urged caution, asking Pune residents to drive carefully due to wet and slippery roads.
Citizens Share Rain Videos Online
As rain poured across Pune, several residents shared visuals on social media:
- “That #hailstorm we needed in #Pune done ✔️. Hoping the weather becomes better and cooler,” one user wrote.
- “#Pune Hail Storm. Heavy rain and hail at Pashan,” said another, posting a video clip.
