Mumbai, known for its bustling streets and coastal charm, is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave as scorching temperatures sweep across various parts of the city and its metropolitan region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of rising mercury levels, attributing the soaring temperatures to anticyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea and low-level easterly winds enveloping Mumbai. In the western suburbs, Ram Mandir registered the highest maximum temperature at a sweltering 43.6 degrees Celsius, highlighting the intensity of the heatwave gripping the region. Other areas also experienced high temperatures, with Vidyavihar in the eastern suburbs recording 40.4 degrees Celsius and Matunga reaching 37.3 degrees Celsius. The situation was no different in neighbouring Thane district, where residents of Kopar Khairane endured scorching heat at 43.1 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Bhayander at 42.3 degrees Celsius and Mira Road at 39.8 degrees Celsius. Panvel, located in Raigad district, faced a scorching maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius, further exacerbating the heatwave conditions in the region.
At the IMD’s weather station in Santacruz, considered representative of Mumbai, the maximum temperature soared to 38.1 degrees Celsius, surpassing normal levels by 4.4 degrees. The drop in humidity levels, from 61% in the morning to 40% by late afternoon, compounded the discomfort experienced by residents battling the heatwave. This recent spell of extreme heat follows closely on the heels of Mumbai’s hottest day of the year on April 16, with temperatures peaking at 39.7 degrees Celsius, marking the highest April temperatures recorded in the city over the past decade. IMD had previously issued a yellow alert, warning of isolated pockets of heatwave conditions for Sunday and Monday, signalling the need for residents to take precautions against the sweltering heat. As Mumbai grapples with soaring temperatures, residents are advised to stay hydrated, seek shelter from the sun, and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The city’s authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to remain vigilant during this period of intense heatwave conditions.
