Pune has been hit with heavy rains recently, and experts are pointing to climate change, weak monsoons, and urbanization as the culprits. Meteorologists have noticed an increase in intense rainfall events, especially in rapidly growing cities.
Dr. Medha Khole, a climate expert, explained that heavy rains have been occurring in Maharashtra and across India during different monsoon phases. These sudden downpours are often localized, like the recent cloudburst in Chinchwad. Dr. Khole attributed these events to high water vapor levels in the air creating clouds that lead to heavy rainfall.
Retired scientist Dr. Anupam Kashyapi highlighted global factors like climate change, deforestation, urbanization, population density, and pollution contributing to the increase in cloudburst-like rains. These events, covering small areas, have become more common due to irregular monsoon patterns.
Local atmospheric conditions play a role in rainfall patterns, with the convective action of the atmosphere, influenced by geography and solar heat, leading to cloudbursts. Manikrao Khule, another scientist, mentioned the interaction of sea and local vapors causing heavy rains.
Torrential rains are typically seen in Pune during the pre-monsoon period, September and October after the monsoon starts, and during the onset and withdrawal of the monsoon. A cumulonimbus cloud is classified as a cloudburst if it produces over 100 mm of rain within an hour from a specific altitude.
Dr. Medha Khole emphasized the need for long-term observation to confirm any changes in monsoon patterns, stressing the importance of monitoring rainfall trends over decades. Understanding these changes is crucial for predicting future monsoon behavior in India.
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