Mumbai: Even as the political temperature went down a notch in the city, there seems to be no relief for Mumbaikars from the scorching heat. It is this extraneous factor that can play a major role in determining the turnout today, as citizens may opt to stay indoors, rather than venture out in the heat to cast their vote.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the city’s minimum temperature increased by over five degrees Celsius on Sunday and a perceptible rise is likely on Monday, too. The IMD expects the maximum temperature to rise as well.
On Sunday, the Santacruz weather station recorded a day temperature of 35.5 degrees Celsius, while Colaba recorded 34 degrees Celsius. However, the minimum temperature in Colaba was five degrees above normal at 28 degrees Celsius. Santacruz recorded 28.1 degrees Celsius.
Humidity levels were 89 per cent in Colaba and 72 per cent at Santacruz. In view of the high humidity levels, experts have advised voters to take care of their health and vote before 10 am, when the heat will be bearable. “Voters should not wait till afternoon to cast their vote; as the day pans out, the temperature will keep rising, which will have the voters squirming in queue.
So, it is better if they step out in the morning,” said an expert. Citizens need to care and carry water with them, as they may feel dehydrated in the searing heat. The IMD has issued a heat wave warning for North Madhya (Central) Maharashtra and Marathwada regions for Sunday and Monday.
It also said that Marathwada region would receive thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Nashik, Pune, Ahmednagar and Jalgaon districts would witness a heat wave along with warm night conditions, the IMD stated in a report released on Sunday afternoon.
“On the other hand, south Madhya Maharashtra will be greeted with thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with the speed reaching 30-40 km per hour at isolated places in the districts of Satara, Sangli, Solapur and Kolhapur,” the IMD said.
