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.
Weekly weather forecast shows heatwave warning on March 9 & 10 | IMD website
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.
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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.
