Temperature soars in Mumbai, heat wave likely: IMD

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the maximum temperatures in the city are likely to remain around 38 degrees until Sunday. It is then likely to reduce by around one degree. “The easterly winds are warm and dry and that is causing an increase in temperature in the coastal regions as compared to the interiors. The warning is currently for the next two days,” Hosalikar added.

The temperatures in the city remained high since Sunday when the maximum temperatures soared to 37.6 degrees. On Monday, it came down to 36.8 degrees but it again rose to 37.8 degrees on Tuesday. Meanwhile on Wednesday the maximum temperatures were recorded at 37.4 degrees, five degrees above normal, and minimum at 21 degrees, two degrees above normal.

While the interior parts of Maharashtra are known to experience heat waves, Mumbai has also seen a few occurrences in the past. “Last year as well, Mumbai experienced one or two spells of heat wave in February,” said Hosalikar.

Doctors across the city are seeing patients with recurrence of cough and cold escalating again after witnessing a gradual decline a fortnight ago. Until early February, cases of cold were high due to low temperatures. Now with temperature fluctuation and rise, cases of coughing fits have returned.

“In last three days, I am seeing more patients with cold because the days are very hot and nights are cooler. We are also seeing increase in viral hepatitis. The treatment can only be symptomatic and can take 2-4 weeks to subside,” said general physician Dr Shahid Barmare. Cases of gastroenteritis, loose motion and diarrhoea, he added, have also increased due to rising temperature. According to doctors, food is getting stale faster, and care has to be taken to consume food fresh. “Viral infection due to water is also rising,” Barmare added.