Mumbai Sizzles Under Brutal Heatwave, Temperatures May Soar to Record Highs!

Mumbai: While the heatwave warning was expected to remain in place until Tuesday, the IMD has now upgraded the same to a severe alert. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)
Mumbai recorded the hottest night of the year on Monday, with a temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now declared an orange ‘severe heatwave’ in the city and its neighbouring districts of Thane and Raigad and is expecting a rise in mercury up to 39 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

While the heatwave warning was expected to remain in place until Tuesday, the IMD has now upgraded the same to a severe alert, alongside extending a yellow heatwave alert until Wednesday for Mumbai and its neighbouring districts of Thane and Raigad.

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Speaking to The Indian Express, Sunil Kamble, director of IMD Mumbai, said, “We are declaring a severe heatwave as we expect a rise up to 39 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, we have now extended our heatwave warning until Wednesday. While the severe heatwave will remain in place today, from tomorrow, there will be a drop of 1-2 degrees; thus, it will be a normal heatwave.”

According to meteorologists, the city is experiencing hot day and night temperatures due to a cyclonic circulation over Central Maharashtra, resulting in the influx of easterly winds.

The Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius, which indicates an abnormal rise of 3 degrees, while the Colaba coastal observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius, which is 2.3 degrees above normal.

According to meteorologists, the city is experiencing hot day and night temperatures due to a cyclonic circulation over Central Maharashtra, resulting in the influx of easterly winds. Attributing the spike to these easterlies, experts have said that the temperature is expected to oscillate between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius until Wednesday at least.

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Even as the heatwave was declared on Monday night, the IMD issued a nowcast warning of light to moderate spells of rains coupled with thunderstorms and lightning activity in isolated pockets of the Thane district. Senior IMD scientists said that the alert was issued based on the forecast of cloud formation.

Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave alert for Mumbai, with temperatures expected to rise as high as 39°C (102°F). This could break the record for the hottest April day in a decade! Even nights won’t offer much respite, with minimum temperatures hovering around uncomfortable levels.

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Stay Hydrated and Take Precautions

With scorching heat like this, staying safe is paramount. Here are some tips to beat the heat:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid strenuous activity during the peak heat hours (usually between 11 am and 4 pm).
Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen whenever you step outside.
If you must go out, stay in the shade as much as possible.

Looking Ahead The heatwave is expected to last for a few days, so be prepared. Keep an eye on weather updates and adjust your plans accordingly. If you experience any heat-related illnesses like dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating, seek medical attention immediately.

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