In a rare climatic twist, Mumbai has recorded its coldest November day twice within a week, marking an eight-year low. On Friday, the city’s Santacruz observatory registered a minimum temperature of 16.5°C, surpassing the earlier mark of 16.8°C recorded on November 26. Both readings fell significantly below the seasonal average, with Friday’s temperature dipping 3.6°C below normal.
The Colaba observatory, which monitors the coastal regions, reported a comparatively moderate minimum temperature of 21.4°C. This notable drop in temperatures has been attributed to the interruption of northerly and north-easterly winds, which typically influence Mumbai’s winter patterns. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold spell is expected to continue, with night-time temperatures predicted to remain in the range of 15-16°C until November 30. Following this, a gradual rise is anticipated, with minimum temperatures likely to climb to 22-23°C by December 4. However, no significant spike in daytime temperatures is expected, with maximum readings forecast to hover between 32-33°C in the coming days.
Accompanying this cold spell, the city’s air quality index (AQI) presented a mixed picture. The overall AQI on Friday was recorded at 130, categorised as moderate. However, several areas experienced poor air quality, with Deonar (187), Chembur (172), and BKC (166) leading the list. This unusual chill has sparked discussions among meteorologists and citizens alike, as Mumbai, known for its tropical climate, rarely experiences such temperature extremes in November. Experts suggest that this year’s trends could serve as a broader indication of evolving weather patterns influenced by larger climatic shifts.
