As much of Maharashtra’s interiors continue to battle oppressive summer heat, Mumbai has managed to stay below the 35°C mark, offering an unusual pocket of relief in an otherwise relentless heatwave. The India Meteorological Department has observed that temperatures in the coastal city hovered around 33-34°C last week, while interior districts like Kolhapur, Sangli, and Solapur crossed the 40°C threshold.
The significant disparity in temperatures is being credited to the early onset of westerly winds in the coastal region, creating a temporary cushion against extreme heat for Mumbai’s densely populated urban stretch. The IMD has attributed this coastal moderation to cyclonic wind patterns and favourable sea breezes, which have shielded Mumbai from the elevated heat stress currently affecting large parts of the state. Meteorologists indicate that the shift in wind direction has brought in moist air from the Arabian Sea, suppressing temperatures in Mumbai, even as dry and hot air masses continue to scorch Maharashtra’s hinterland. Notably, weather models had earlier forecasted above-normal temperatures for April in Mumbai, a prediction that has so far not played out, thanks to these early coastal patterns.
For the coming week, however, forecasters caution that Mumbai may see a slight uptick in temperatures, with the mercury expected to breach the 36°C mark briefly before easing again. Despite this short-lived spike, weather experts assure that Mumbai’s maximum temperatures will continue to remain lower than the average highs reported in the state’s interiors. The IMD’s five-day outlook predicts dry conditions in Mumbai and its surrounding metropolitan region, whereas several interior districts, particularly in Vidarbha and Marathwada, have been placed on yellow alert due to the possibility of thunderstorms and isolated rainfall.
These fluctuations in weather underline the increasingly erratic nature of summer patterns in the state, shaped by climate variability and rapid urbanisation. As Maharashtra inches closer to the peak summer period, citizens in non-coastal regions continue to grapple with dangerously high temperatures, prompting concerns about heatwave management, public health, and water security. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s relatively cooler microclimate presents a stark contrast, drawing attention to the environmental advantage that its coastal geography still offers in the face of growing climate uncertainties.
For a city where built-up surfaces and high-rises dominate the skyline, even a few degrees’ difference in temperature can shape day-to-day comfort, productivity, and energy usage. This temporary relief, however, is not a reason to become complacent. Climate experts stress that sustained investments in green infrastructure, water conservation, and heat mitigation strategies remain critical to safeguard cities from the long-term impacts of global warming. As unpredictable summer cycles become the norm, Mumbai’s current climate advantage must be matched with policy foresight to ensure that its urban resilience keeps pace with environmental change.
Mumbai records lower heat due to sea winds
