Thane witnessed an unusual and early onset of winter this year, as dense fog and a noticeable dip in morning temperatures swept across the city in mid-November. Residents stepping out for their early routines on Thursday encountered a cool breeze and reduced visibility, with the minimum temperature touching 21 degrees Celsius. For a city that typically sees winter conditions settling only by late December, this shift has drawn widespread attention from both citizens and urban climate experts.
According to weather observers, the temperature pattern over the past week indicates a steady cooling trend, reversing the prolonged warm spell the city has experienced in recent years. Morning temperatures recorded earlier in the week ranged between 20.7 and 21.8 degrees Celsius, marking some of the lowest November readings in recent memory. Officials noted that the combination of clearer skies, reduced moisture levels, and the influence of surrounding green zones such as Yeoor and Parsik hills contributed to the fog formation that blanketed much of the city. Residents taking morning walks described the experience as similar to visiting a hill station, with fog drifting across elevated areas and settling over roads, gardens, and residential corners. For many, the early winter-like conditions brought both relief from persistent humidity and a sense of seasonal change that had been missing in recent years due to abnormal weather patterns.
Urban planners and environmental specialists emphasise that while the cooler conditions may feel pleasant, the underlying causes point to changing microclimatic behaviour across Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “Such sudden shifts reflect the growing volatility in urban weather cycles,” an environmental expert said, adding that increased concrete surfaces, altered wind flows, and regional climate stress could be influencing how quickly temperatures fluctuate. The expert also highlighted the importance of preserving forested slopes and wetlands that naturally regulate temperatures and improve air quality. Last year, Thane experienced unusually warm nights even in December, with minimum temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius and daytime highs touching 33 degrees. Residents had waited until January for cooler conditions to set in. This year’s contrasting pattern—an early drop in temperature—has therefore sparked conversations around climate unpredictability and the need for climate-resilient urban planning.
Officials advise residents to prepare for varying weather in the coming weeks, as intermittent warm spells could return before winter stabilises. However, the early chill is expected to bring some respite from the prolonged heat experienced through October. As more Indian cities witness climatic fluctuations, experts underline the need for sustainable urban design that supports biodiversity, moderates heat stress, and strengthens resilience to shifting seasonal trends.
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