City shivers at 8.30 C

Pune: Pune on Monday recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the State at 8.3 degrees Celsius, stated the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It also happened to be the coldest night of this winter season so far. The day was also cooler at 26.6 degrees Celsius.

Other cities in the State also experienced a drop in temperature. The IMD predicted that weather in the State will remain dry in the coming few days. 

The day temperature may remain around 29 degrees Celsius in the city till December 23. Also, the night temperature may rise to nine degrees Celsius during the same period, said the IMD. 

Speaking about the drop in temperature, the Met officials said the temperature in the northern part of the country has decreased. 

“The drop in temperature in the northern region of the country is responsible for the colder winds in the southern part. With Rajasthan reporting cold wave-like conditions, we reported that there was a substantial drop in the temperature in Maharashtra and adjacent region,” said the IMD official.  The official added that the cooling down of Cyclone Phethai is one of the reasons behind the drop in temperature. In a statement, the IMD confirmed that cold wave-like conditions prevailed at isolated places over west Rajasthan. 

The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at 1.6 degrees Celsius at Khajuraho in east MP. The IMD predicted dense fog till December 20 at isolated places over east MP and Chhattisgarh.

Cyclone Phethai 
The IMD, in an official statement, said that the northeast monsoon has been vigorous over coastal Andhra Pradesh. The cyclone made landfall in the state on Monday.
 
According to the IMD, the cyclone is very likely to move northeastwards and emerge into west central Bay of Bengal, off Kakinada coast by Monday evening. It is very likely to continue to move northeastwards and weaken further and again cross Andhra coast close to Tuni late in evening on Monday as a deep depression with a wind speed of 55 to 65 km/h.