Brace For Heatwave Mumbaikars! IMD Warns Of Rise In Temperatures On March 9 & 10 In City & Surrounding Region

Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heatwave warning for isolated areas in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad on March 9 and 10. This marks the second heatwave alert in the city within the past two weeks.

Mumbai is currently experiencing a rise in daytime temperatures following a brief period of relief. As a result, the IMD has also issued a yellow warning for hot and humid conditions, expected to persist in the coastal city until Friday.

According to IMD data, despite rising daytime temperatures, nights have remained relatively cooler. On Thursday morning, suburban areas recorded a minimum temperature of 18.6°C, which was over one degree below normal.

Heatwave Alert For Upcoming Weekend

The IMD has sounded a yellow warning for Mumbai, indicating that hot and humid conditions will likely prevail in certain areas until Friday. Additionally, a heatwave alert has been issued for the upcoming weekend, with temperatures expected to exceed 38°C on March 9 and 10.

Meteorologists have linked this heatwave to an anticyclone system forming over the region. Nitha Sasidharan, a scientist at IMD Mumbai, while speaking to The Indian Express, explained that a developing anticyclone over Maharashtra is bringing strong easterly winds from the interior regions of the country. These winds are delaying the onset of westerly sea breezes, causing temperatures to rise 4-5 degrees above normal.

Heatwave Warning Issued Earlier

A heatwave warning is typically declared when temperatures remain 4-5 degrees above normal for at least two consecutive days. This is not the first time Mumbai has faced such extreme heat this year. Last month, the IMD issued a heatwave alert on February 25 and 26 when the city recorded temperatures above 38°C for several days. During that period, Mumbai's maximum temperature peaked at 38.7°C, the highest in eight years.

The ongoing hot weather is characteristic of March, which serves as a transitional phase between winter and summer. However, the early onset of high temperatures signals an intense summer ahead for Mumbai and its neighbouring districts.