Humidity soars,temperature drops

While the maximum temperature dipped considerably over the past week,Mumbai continues to swelter due to extreme humidity and a rising night-time temperatures. On Wednesday,the maximum temperature dipped further to 33.3°C in Colaba and 32.8°C in Santacruz,the relative humidity rose higher to 87 and 75 per cent respectively,four per cent higher than Tuesday in both the city and the suburb.

Minimum temperatures recorded were 24.2°C and 25°C in the Colaba and Santacruz respectively— slightly higher than the normal for the season. K Sathidevi,director of IMD,Mumbai,said,“Such a phenomenon is typical during the last months of summer. The city is currently under the influence of westerly winds which carry a lot of moisture. As a result the humidity soars.”

Sathidevi added: “Usually easterly winds bring dry air which raises the day temperature tremendously. However,dry air cools faster after sun down. On the other hand,humid air keeps the day temperatures low but its cooling is much slower.”

According to IMD,this kind of weather feature — marked with intense humidity and partial cloudiness — is conducive for thunderstorms.

“If these conditions continue,thunderclouds tend to develop. But currently,there is not much possibility of a thunderstorm since other systems are absent,” Sathidevi said. Usually,thunderstorms and showers are expected by the mid week of May.

IMD forecast similar weather conditions to prevail for the next few days.