The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and squall for Central Maharashtra for the next three days, with Pune and its surroundings “very likely” to receive light rain on Tuesday.

SD Sanap, a scientist with the IMD Pune, said that this is largely due to two factors coming together in the region – a high maximum temperature and moisture entering from the Arabian Sea. This causes the formation of cumulonimbus clouds associated with thunderstorms. “For the next 48 hours, the conditions are favourable for thunderstorms, lightning and rain,” said Sanap.

He emphasised that the present conditions are not an interpretation of the advent of the monsoon in Pune. The monsoon, which is forecast to arrive in Kerala this week, is being observed by meteorologists before they issue a forecast for the rest of India, including Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature has fallen from the searing 40 degree Celsius levels across the city.

On Monday, the maximum temperature in Shivajinagar and Pashan was 36 degree Celsius. It was 37 degree Celsius in Lohegaon, Magarpatta, and Koregaon Park and 35 degrees in Lavale, NDA and Chinchwad.

“For the next four-five days, the maximum temperature in Pune is expected to remain in the range of 35-plus degrees. There is no chance of a heat wave for now,” said Sanap.

According to the IMD bulletin, the maximum temperature will be 36 degrees in Shivajinagar and Pashan on Tuesday; rising by a notch on Wednesday before falling to 35 degrees on May 30 and 31.

In Lohegaon, which has sweated and sweltered for most of this month, the maximum temperature is likely to still be the highest in Pune – 38 degrees likely on Wednesday. For the rest of the days of the week, it will be around 36 – 37 degrees during the day.

In the leafier neighbourhoods of Pune, such as NDA and Koregaon Park, the maximum temperature is going to be around the same level as the congested districts, such as Chinchwad.

Apart from Central Maharashtra, a yellow alert, which is intended to make people aware, has been issued for Konkan and Goa, till May 28.

There is a red alert in Vidarbha, pointing to the potentially life-threatening severe heat wave conditions, till May 27. On May 28 and 29, there is an orange alert for thunderstorms and a heat wave in Vidarbha.