The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in the state this week, including Mumbai and its metropolitan regions. As per the IMD’s weather report, Mumbai is very likely to have light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers on April 1 and 2. While the districts of Thane, Palghar and Raigad are very likely to have rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning.
Parts of Maharashtra received unseasonal rains last week too. The unseasonal rains with thunderstorms occur in March-April every year as the state enters into peak summer season.
After a brief respite from the scorching heat, the mercury in Mumbai spiked over the weekend; however, the skies remained partly cloudy. On Sunday, the Santacruz observatory recorded the minimum and maximum temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius and 24.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. While the Colaba observatory recorded the maximum and minimum temperatures of 32.5 degrees Celsius and 25.5 degrees Celsius. For the next 48 hours, the maximum and minimum temperatures in Mumbai city and suburbs will be around 35 degrees and 24 degrees Celsius, and skies will be partly cloudy.
Heatwave conditions in April
IMD’s outlook for the Summer 2025 forecasted above normal temperatures and heat waves, attributing the extreme weather conditions to global climate change. “The temperature in Mumbai in April will be above normal (1 to 2 degrees expected). However, a heatwave is not predicted for Mumbai specifically this month. But the Konkan, Vidharbha, North Maharashtra and Marathwada will have heatwave conditions,” said Shubhangi Bhute from IMD Mumbai.
This year so far, Mumbai has already witnessed two heatwaves- February 25 - 26 and March 9 – 11. While, the hot and humid weather conditions prevailed, March last week had a brief respite due to strong westerly winds, before the rise in the mercury in April.
Notably, considering the extreme heat, the state government had directed the schools to hold morning classes to reduce students’ exposure to the scorching sun.
