Mumbai: A day after Mumbai saw its hottest Feb day in five years, the maximum temperature on Wednesday was just shy of the record of 38.7°C, with heatwave persisting in isolated pockets of the city. While IMD‘s Santacruz observatory recorded 38.5°C (5.7°C above normal), the Colaba station logged 35.3°C (4.3°C above normal).
The night offered little relief, with minimum temperatures also above normal—23.6°C (+2.2°C) at Colaba and 21°C (+1.9°C) at Santacruz.
Thane recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2°C and a minimum of 25°C.
According to IMD officials, strong easterly winds have been delaying the arrival of the sea breeze, causing above normal temperatures. The absence of early sea breeze prevents the cooling effect usually experienced in coastal areas, resulting in persistently high daytime temperatures.
An official said the sea breeze on Wednesday set in around 1pm, later than usual. “With a wind reversal expected in the coming days, the intensity of the easterly winds will reduce, leading to a possible temperature drop. However, while temperatures may dip slightly over the weekend, humidity will remain high, offering little immediate respite.”
The weather bureau said hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets are very likely on Thursday in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad. From Friday, dry weather conditions are likely to persist.
Temperature logs have shown consistent spikes since Feb 20, with daytime highs soaring well above the monthly average of 31.3°C (see graphic). Ahead of the onset of summer next month, IMD has advised residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and stay hydrated.