As the final week of April begins, Mumbai is expected to witness a brief respite from the persistent overcast skies that loomed over the city last week.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast clear skies for April 24, accompanied by a humid atmosphere and rising temperatures — an indication of the typical pre-monsoon weather pattern that Mumbai is known for. At 9 AM on Wednesday, the city’s temperature stood at 29°C with a relative humidity of 79%. Wind speeds were moderate, averaging 6 km/h, offering occasional relief. However, as the day progresses, mercury levels are expected to climb, with officials projecting a maximum of 34°C and a minimum of 25°C. While the conditions do not yet qualify for a heatwave alert, the discomfort from humidity is palpable, especially in the coastal pockets of the metropolis.
According to meteorological experts, the warming trend is expected to continue through the week. The IMD’s long-range outlook indicates a consistent pattern of high humidity, minimal rainfall activity, and temperatures hovering in the low-to-mid 30s. While this may signal stability in terms of weather conditions, it raises concerns about urban heat stress, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, construction workers, and children commuting to school. Despite the heat, Mumbai’s air quality has shown moderate improvement. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 92, placing it in the ‘Satisfactory’ category. Environmental experts, however, caution that even with clear skies, prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can impact individuals with respiratory conditions. Officials recommend limiting outdoor activities during peak daytime hours and advise the use of protective masks for those sensitive to pollutants.
Sunset is expected at 6:58 PM, with weather officials projecting continued clarity in the skies on April 25. The next day’s forecast predicts a temperature band between 25°C and 33°C, with sunrise expected at 6:17 AM. While clear skies are typically welcomed in Mumbai for easing daily mobility and improving solar exposure, the rising temperatures call for increased attention to hydration and sun protection. The fluctuating weather patterns also place a spotlight on the city’s preparedness for the monsoon season. With less than two months before the anticipated arrival of the southwest monsoon, civic bodies have already initiated pre-monsoon desilting operations. Climate scientists stress the need for robust urban planning to address the growing threat of heat islands, which are exacerbated by concrete infrastructure, loss of green cover, and vehicle emissions.
In response, sustainability-focused urban planners advocate for expanding shaded pedestrian networks, implementing green roofing systems, and enhancing public access to cooled indoor spaces. Such eco-conscious measures are increasingly critical as Indian cities, particularly dense coastal hubs like Mumbai, face the dual challenges of climate variability and rapid urbanisation. Although a sense of meteorological stability is forecast for the immediate term, the deeper issue of long-term climate resilience remains. Officials continue to encourage residents to adopt water-saving habits, reduce vehicular pollution, and support green mobility alternatives as ways to mitigate the city’s carbon footprint.
In a city where weather is more than just a backdrop to daily life — impacting everything from livelihoods to health outcomes — today’s clear skies are a welcome sight. However, they also underline the urgency of sustainable urban living, especially as climate change turns seasonal weather from predictable patterns into pressing public challenges.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/mumbai-thane-and-raigad-to-experience-hot-weather-imd-issues-yellow-alert/
