Pune: After a prolonged dry spell, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra have witnessed heavy rainfall over the past two days, breaking long-standing records. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded 131 mm of rainfall in Pune's Shivajinagar area, marking the highest rainfall in September since 1938. Most of this rain was concentrated between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Wednesday (September 25).

The final 24-hour tally, which will account for rainfall between 8:30 AM Wednesday and 8:30 AM Thursday, is set to be released by Thursday (September 26) morning. Meteorologists believe there is a possibility that this figure could surpass the previous September rainfall record of 132.3 mm set in 1938.

In response to the severe weather conditions, the Pune District Administration has announced the closure of all schools and colleges in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad on Thursday, September 26, 2024. 

This decision was made as a safety measure after the IMD issued warnings for heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several cities, including Pune and Mumbai. Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Divase shared this update with the media, urging citizens to remain cautious.

Meanwhile, several other parts of Maharashtra have been hit by torrential rains, with the IMD issuing a 'Red Alert' for extremely heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. Cities such as Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik are also under an 'Orange Alert' for heavy rain over the next 24 hours.

The state government and local authorities are taking necessary precautions to manage the situation, especially in areas prone to flooding. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the period of heavy rainfall.