Doctors said allergic coughs, seasonal asthma and skin allergies are on the rise in the city as construction dust adds to post-monsoon pollution concerns
Pune: The city woke up to its coolest Oct morning in two years on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature dropping to 14.9°C, the lowest of the season so far. With the daytime maximum touching 32.9°C, the 18°C day-night temperature gap is coinciding with increased complaints of joint pain and muscle cramps, particularly at night, according to doctors. Shivajinagar’s minimum temperature fell from 17.4°C on Monday to 16.3°C on Tuesday and 14.9°C on Wednesday. The latest reading was the lowest for Oct since 2024, data showed.
Vartak said the early end of the rainy season, the surge in Oct heat and the subsequent drop in night temperatures had marked a sharp transition in weather conditions. He said that there is also a huge difference between air-conditioned indoor environments and outdoor temperatures. He also flagged inadequate hydration as a possible concern, saying many people had reduced their water intake as temperatures changed.
“A day and night time temperature difference of around 10 degrees is fine; even 15 degrees may be manageable. But when it comes to 20 or 25 degrees, it can impact the body,” he said.
Many people continue to rely on ACs before stepping out into the Oct heat, he said. Agashe said temperature changes could bring corresponding changes in barometric pressure, contributing to joint stiffness. Sudden changes between these environments could add to the temperature variation the body has to cope with. He added that the body could find it difficult to cope with a sudden, substantial change in temperature. Lower temperatures may make joint-lubricating fluid less fluid, while reduced movement can further aggravate discomfort, particularly in osteoarthritis.