Unexpected Chill Grips Mumbai Till February 5
Mumbai, known for its balmy winters and tropical climate, has been gripped by an unexpected cold spell, defying the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of an above-normal February. As residents bundled up over the weekend, temperatures dipped significantly below seasonal averages—a rare phenomenon for the city during this time of year. The chill is expected to persist until February 5, after which a gradual rise in temperature is anticipated.
On Sunday, the Santacruz Observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 16.6°C and a maximum of 31.4°C, both below normal for late January. Similarly, Colaba registered a minimum of 19.4°C and a maximum of 30.2°C. The IMD predicts minimal variation over the next 48 hours, with temperatures hovering around 17°C (minimum) and 31°C (maximum). The skies are expected to remain partly cloudy to mainly clear. Interestingly, these cooler conditions come on the heels of an unusually warm January. The Santacruz Observatory recorded a maximum of 36°C on January 3, one of the highest January temperatures ever documented in Mumbai. This was followed by 35.4°C on January 15 and 34.3°C on January 19—temperatures significantly above normal.
The all-time January high remains 37.4°C, recorded on January 16, 2006. According to IMD Mumbai Director Sunil Kamble, the current fluctuations are due to shifts in wind patterns. “The maximum shows a mixed tendency. Northern Maharashtra may see below-normal maximums, while southern parts, including Mumbai in the Konkan region, will likely experience normal to above-normal temperatures. Minimum temperatures, however, are expected to remain above normal in Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra,” he explained.
These erratic weather patterns—cool mornings transitioning into hot afternoons—have also taken a toll on public health, with increased reports of respiratory issues and seasonal ailments. Experts attribute these fluctuations to broader climate variability, influenced by global warming and changing atmospheric conditions. As Mumbai transitions from winter to early summer, the city remains on high alert for abrupt temperature shifts. The coming days will determine whether this chill is an isolated anomaly or part of a larger climatic trend redefining Mumbai’s weather patterns.
