November rain in no hurry to leave

Weather bureau says onset of winter will be delayed this year by a few days

The city has been witness to heavy rainfall in November, thanks to the cyclonic changes in the northern coast of Tamil Nadu. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a delay in the onset of winter.u00a0

Increased humidity
There has been a sudden increase in humidity and cloudy weather along with a fluctuation in temperature. The weather is akin to that during monsoons.u00a0

"Though the intensity of the change has been cooling down there will not be any major change in the rainy situation in Pune for next four days," said Dr A B Muzumdar, Deputy Director General, Weather Forecasting,
IMD Pune.

According to Muzumdar, an increase of moisture in the air also increases the day temperature causing the delay of winter by at least four days. This is causing a moderate rise in temperature in both minimum and maximum.
"It is difficult to say that how long the present rainy situation will continue," he pointed out.

Ruling the possibility that this is a new trend, Muzumdar said, "We also had rainfall in November 2009. The only difference was that the number of rainy days were less and the quantum of rain was low."

According to Muzumdar, January is when the real effect of winter is seen. January also witnesses the lowest temperature during that period.

On the other hand, Dr Megha Khole, Director IMD Pune said that the rainy situation in the city may continue for next three days.

"Low-pressure belt has been created at South Andhra Pradesh and sea short of Karnataka state due to the cyclonic changes also effecting thunderstorm rainfall in Goa and South Konkan region." She also said that winter would be delayed by three days.