IMD declares heatwave in Mumbai, warning for today

According to the IMD, in a coastal city like Mumbai, if two weather stations recorded maximum temperature over 37 degrees Celsius the same day, then heatwave is declared.

Mumbai on Saturday recorded a night temperature of 23 degrees Celsius at the Santacruz station and 24.4 degrees Celsius at the Colaba observatory – three and two degrees Celsius above normal, respectively.

“As forecasted by #RMC_Mumbai heatwave realised in Mumbai. On 11th March 2023 Maximum temperature at Santacruz 38.5 deg celsius Colaba 37.4 deg celsius,” tweeted the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) in Mumbai.

Sushma Nair, a scientist from IMD Mumbai, said, “Seeing the current wind and weather pattern, it is quite likely that the day temperature may continue to remain above normal tomorrow as well in Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra. This is happening due to the presence of strong easterly wind, which is delaying the sea breeze, thus making the weather hotter and more humid.”

She added, “However, from March 13, there is a possibility of reversal of the wind pattern, which may lead to a decline in daily maximum temperature by a few degrees.”

The IMD has urged people to follow necessary precautionary measures, which included staying hydrated and covering the head while outside.
The relative humidity recorded in Santacruz on Saturday was 34 per cent, while in Colaba, it was 69 per cent.

The city’s AQI again remained into the poor category at 215.