The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and neighbouring districts, flagging an imminent spell of hot and humid conditions through midweek.
The advisory, issued on Tuesday, includes warnings for Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, and serves as a signal for citizens to brace for unseasonable discomfort before relief sets in later in the week. While much of interior Maharashtra is reeling under an intense heatwave, Mumbai has so far remained relatively insulated from the worst of the summer extremes. On Monday, the city’s Santacruz and Colaba observatories recorded maximum daytime temperatures of around 33.5°C — consistent with seasonal averages. However, the IMD has now cautioned that these conditions are about to change, with temperatures expected to climb significantly over the next 48 hours.
The warning follows a broader regional pattern, as northwestern and northerly wind systems begin to shift over Maharashtra. Experts from the weather bureau suggest this movement is behind the sudden transition from relatively mild days to sweltering heat. The shift in wind direction — from cooler northwesterlies flowing off the Arabian Sea to warmer air masses arriving from inland regions like North Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh — is expected to amplify both heat and discomfort levels. The impact of these meteorological changes will be most pronounced on Tuesday and Wednesday, when the mercury is forecast to spike to 36°C or higher in Mumbai. Neighbouring districts such as Thane may see temperatures soar to 39°C, while Palghar and Raigad are expected to experience similar heat stress.
Interestingly, even as maximum temperatures trend upwards, the city has recorded cooler-than-normal minimum temperatures. Santacruz saw a low of 23.5°C early Tuesday, about 1.4°C below the seasonal norm. This slight cooling at night, paired with a 6% dip in morning humidity levels to around 65%, briefly brought some comfort. However, that relief is set to be short-lived, as high daytime temperatures and sticky humidity levels are expected to dominate the next few days. Officials within the weather department stress that while Mumbai is not under a formal heatwave warning, the conditions still warrant caution. Heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and fatigue are more likely during such spells, particularly in urban heat islands where concrete infrastructure traps thermal radiation. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, are at heightened risk.
The yellow alert serves as a pre-emptive measure, urging the public and authorities alike to prepare for thermal stress. Public health departments, civic agencies, and transport services have been asked to remain vigilant, especially in dense areas and transport corridors where ambient temperatures may be several degrees higher than official readings. Meteorological experts have also underlined the temporary nature of this heat surge. By Thursday, a change in wind patterns is expected to bring some relief. Forecast models suggest Mumbai’s daytime temperatures will settle back to about 34°C, restoring a more tolerable climate heading into the weekend. However, experts caution that April’s volatile weather patterns are far from over, and citizens should remain aware of future advisories.
This week’s temperature spike is a stark reminder of the increasingly erratic behaviour of urban climates. Mumbai, with its densely packed neighbourhoods, limited green cover, and high energy use, is especially susceptible to heat stress. Urban planners and sustainability advocates have long argued that cities like Mumbai need to invest in long-term climate resilience — from heat-proofing buildings and expanding green cover to improving early warning systems for extreme weather events. Experts from independent weather monitoring services warn that as climate patterns continue to shift, such short-term temperature spikes may become more frequent. The convergence of urbanisation and climate change means that cities must be prepared for extremes not just in rainfall or storms, but also in heat intensity.
As the IMD’s alerts take effect, public awareness and responsive governance will be key. While Mumbai has managed to avoid the brutal highs recorded elsewhere in the state, including Chandrapur’s searing 45.6°C on Monday, the metropolis remains at risk of future surges — especially with May approaching, traditionally the hottest month of the year. In the short term, authorities are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak sun hours, and check on vulnerable individuals. The yellow alert may be lifted by the end of the week, but the underlying message is clear — the city must start adapting to a new climate normal.
Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad to Experience Hot Weather, IMD Issues Yellow Alert
