As temperatures soar to a scorching 41°C, Mumbai finds itself in the grip of a relentless heatwave, prompting the civic authorities to issue precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
Following a period of relatively mild weather, the city and its surrounding regions experienced a sudden surge in temperatures since Monday afternoon, with Santacruz recording a maximum temperature of 39.9 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that this heatwave will persist on Tuesday as well, with Rabale in Thane reporting the highest temperature at 41 degrees Celsius. The onset of summer has brought about an abrupt shift in weather patterns, leaving Mumbaikars feeling the intense heat of the sun. From Friday onwards, temperatures have been steadily rising, culminating in a peak of 35.8 degrees Celsius on Monday. IMD Mumbai officials attribute this spike in temperatures to a delay in the onset of sea breezes, resulting in elevated daytime temperatures across the city. During the period from April 14 to 17, Mumbai and its adjoining metropolitan areas, including Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Badlapur, and Karjat, experienced an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius. However, the Colaba observatory recorded a relatively cooler temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius compared to Santacruz, owing to its proximity to the sea.
In response to the extreme weather conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued guidelines advising residents to take precautionary measures such as carrying water bottles, wearing caps, using umbrellas, and wearing sunglasses while outdoors. With temperatures expected to remain high, citizens are advised to avoid venturing out between 11 am and 4 pm, the peak hours of the day, to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses. As Mumbai battles against the scorching heatwave, adherence to the BMC’s guidelines and proactive measures by residents are essential to ensure their safety and well-being during this challenging period of extreme weather.
