Mumbai experienced its first real taste of winter on Sunday morning, as the minimum temperature dipped below 20°C for the first time this season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum of 19.6°C — about 2.3 degrees below the average — marking the beginning of the city’s brief but welcome winter spell.
While residents across the suburbs woke up to a crisp chill and clearer skies, the IMD’s Colaba observatory also noted a mild dip, recording 22.4°C, about 1.7 degrees below normal. Weather officials attributed the cooler conditions to clear skies and dry north-easterly winds, which have started influencing coastal Maharashtra. The city’s day temperatures, too, remained lower than average. Santacruz recorded a maximum of 31.8°C, 2.6 degrees below normal, while Colaba reported 32°C, about two degrees below normal. The IMD has forecast dry and cool conditions for the week across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, signalling a gradual shift from humid to more comfortable weather.
Meteorologists expect the mild winter phase to continue through November and December, offering temporary relief before the return of warm coastal conditions. An official from the weather department noted that such early dips are typical indicators of stabilising atmospheric patterns after the monsoon withdrawal, often helping improve air quality and reduce urban discomfort caused by prolonged humidity. For a megacity like Mumbai, where concrete surfaces trap heat, these cooler months play an important role in balancing urban microclimates. Experts suggest that consistent green cover, water bodies, and shaded public spaces can help cities like Mumbai mitigate the growing impact of urban heat islands throughout the year.
Environmental planners point out that while Mumbai’s winter is short-lived, it underscores the importance of climate-sensitive city planning. As temperatures fluctuate more sharply due to changing global patterns, adopting sustainable building materials, promoting tree-lined avenues, and improving coastal ventilation corridors will be crucial to preserving thermal comfort for citizens. The IMD continues to monitor temperature variations closely, with forecasts indicating stable weather over the coming days. For now, Mumbai’s residents can enjoy a few weeks of pleasant mornings — a fleeting reminder of balance in an otherwise warming metropolis.
Mumbai Records 19.6°C Marking Season Lowest Temperature As Winter Arrives
