City Sees Warmest January Day in Eight Years as Temperature Soars to 36°C
Mumbai: On Friday, Mumbai recorded its warmest January day in eight years, with the maximum temperature soaring to 36°C at the Santacruz weather station. This temperature was 5.2°C higher than the average for this time of the year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature recorded at Santacruz was 16.7°C, which is close to the usual seasonal average.
The unseasonal rise in temperatures has been attributed to easterly winds sweeping through the city, leading to an increase in maximum temperatures. “Currently, the city is experiencing easterly winds blowing at speeds of 15 to 20 kmph in the afternoon, which is contributing to the unusually high temperatures,” explained Sunil Kamble, director of IMD Mumbai. “The warm weather is expected to persist for the next two days. “The Colaba weather station also reported above-normal temperatures on Friday. The maximum temperature there stood at 33.5°C, which is 3.2°C higher than the typical January temperature, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.5°C, exceeding the seasonal norm by 2°C.
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast a slight relief in temperatures. The maximum temperature for Saturday is expected to range between 30°C and 31°C, with minimum temperatures likely to dip to between 19°C and 20°C, offering a welcome break from the intense heat. While this spike in temperatures has surprised many residents, meteorologists assure that it will not last long, and a cooler spell is expected in the coming days.
