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The citizens need to brace for more heatwaves in the coming months as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in its Summer 2025 outlook has predicted above normal temperatures from March to May. Mumbai also witnessed an unusual winter this year, with January being the third hottest and a heatwave in February. The IMD attributes the change in weather to global climate change and prevailing conditions.
In an interview with the Free Press Journal, IMD Mumbai Director Sunil Kamble said, “Everyone has accepted climate change and rise in temperatures by one or two degrees globally. These climatic conditions have an impact on our region too and Mumbai is most likely to have one or two degrees above normal temperatures in the summer.”
“Additionally, the region did not receive westerly winds as expected in the winter due to less snowfall in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Because of this, the minimum temperature in Mumbai did not fall as expected, resulting in the rise in mercury,” Kamble added.
Explaining the change in weather conditions resulting in a poor Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai, Kamble said that the change in wind patterns along with increased construction activities post-monsoon affects AQI. “The calmer winds in winter do not allow dust particles to settle down and it remains suspended mid-air for a longer time. As the winds get stronger, the AQI in the city increases,” he said.
At a time when Mumbai is expecting a sizzling summer, the citizens are advised to take health precautions to avoid heat strokes, especially the senior citizens and children. IMD has advised citizens to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juices and wear loose cotton clothes.
