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IMD issues heatwave alert in Mumbai on Feb 25, 26

Meanwhile, the IMD’s coastal observatory at Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees on Monday, which was also 6.2 degrees above normal.

While Pune’s surrounding area have not technically reported heatwaves, the extreme temperatures can be fatal if not taken seriously. (Express File Photo)

With Mumbai scorching under maximum temperature levels exceeding the normal range, the India Meteorology Department (IMD) on Monday issued a heatwave alert on February 25 and 26 for Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri and Raigad districts in Maharashtra.

Mumbai on Monday recorded the highest maximum (Day) temperature in the past five years in February. The IMD’s Santacruz observatory recorded a day temperature of 38.4 degrees, which is 6.4 degrees above normal. Before this, the highest day temperature recorded in February was on February 28, 2020, when the Santacruz observatory recorded 38.4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the IMD’s coastal observatory at Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees on Monday, which was also 6.2 degrees above normal.

A heatwave alert is usually issued when two weather stations in a coastal city record a maximum temperature above 37 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days.

“It will continue to be hot and humid tomorrow and day after (Tuesday and Wednesday). The temperature has been on the higher side for the past few days due to the strong easterly presence which is delaying the setting of a sea breeze. This is going to last for at least three more days as there is no possibility of rainfall in the days to come,” Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD, Mumbai, told The Indian Express on Monday.

On Sunday, the IMD’s Santacruz observatory in Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 37.2 degrees Celsius — 5.2 degrees above normal. Earlier, on February 22, Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 37.2 degrees Celsius, while on February 21 the city’s maximum temperature stood at 37.3 degrees Celsius. For the past four days, Mumbai’s day temperature was higher than February’s average maximum temperature of 31.3 degrees.
Meanwhile, the day temperature in the coastal observatory at Colaba ranged between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius.

Pratip Acharya

Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More

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