Mumbai Searing Heatwave Persists with Daytime Highs at 38.5°C
Mumbai continues to swelter under a heatwave that shows little signs of letting up, as temperatures hover dangerously close to the city’s record for February. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature in Santacruz touched 38.5°C, which is a staggering 5.7°C above the normal for this time of year. The Colaba station recorded a relatively lower 35.3°C, yet still 4.3°C above average, reinforcing the city’s ongoing battle with intense heat.
The previous day, Mumbai had already witnessed its hottest February day in five years, and the situation remains dire. Even as the city braced itself for the discomfort of high temperatures, the night provided little respite, with minimum temperatures also staying above normal. At Colaba, the minimum temperature was recorded at 23.6°C, a rise of 2.2°C over the usual, while Santacruz experienced a slightly cooler 21°C, which still marked an increase of 1.9°C Thane, another crucial part of Mumbai’s metropolitan sprawl, fared no better. The area saw a maximum temperature of 39.2°C, a significant rise that led to sweltering conditions across the city and beyond. Residents have reported immense discomfort, with daily routines becoming increasingly challenging under the heat
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The persistently high temperatures have been largely attributed to the delay in the arrival of the sea breeze. Normally, coastal areas like Mumbai benefit from the cooling influence of the sea breeze, which usually sets in by midday, providing relief from the scorching daytime heat. However, according to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), strong easterly winds have been obstructing this natural cooling effect. The delayed onset of the sea breeze — which only set in around 1 pm on Wednesday — has meant that the city continues to experience above-normal temperatures well into the afternoon.
While a slight dip in temperatures is expected over the weekend, due to a reversal in wind patterns, the change is unlikely to bring significant relief. High humidity levels will continue to make conditions uncomfortable, and residents will have to brace themselves for the sticky heat of Mumbai’s urban landscape.
The IMD forecast indicates that heatwave conditions will persist over the next couple of days, particularly in the Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad regions. This is expected to continue until Friday when a transition to dry weather conditions is likely. Despite the promise of cooler, dry conditions ahead, the ongoing high humidity is expected to leave little respite for residents used to the high heat but typically cooled by coastal winds.
The IMD has repeatedly warned residents to take precautions against the effects of the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure, and seeking shade when possible. With Mumbai’s transition to the summer season already underway, the heatwave signals a worrying trend that could further intensify as the city heads into its warmest months.
Meteorologists are keeping a close watch on the situation as the city grapples with these extreme temperatures. Urban planners and environmental experts have long raised concerns about the impact of such heatwaves on public health, especially in densely populated areas where residents face poor air circulation and limited access to cooling resources.
As climate change continues to fuel extreme weather events globally, cities like Mumbai are finding themselves increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. This highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure, including more green spaces, and urban cooling solutions to mitigate the impacts of such heatwaves, ensuring a more sustainable and livable environment for all.
