Mumbai records a warmer day at 36.5 degrees; temperature likely to dip in coming days
On October 31, Mumbai became the hottest city in Maharashtra.
3 min read
While IMD officials have attributed the current rise in temperature to easterly winds, experts have linked it to global climate change. (File image)The first few days of November–usually known to be less warmer and more pleasant–have been recording daily temperatures above normal levels.
According to India Meteorology Department’s (IMD) observatory at Santacruz, Mumbai recorded 36.7 degrees on October 31 which was two degrees above normal. On November 1, the maximum temperature stood at 34.6 degrees bordering the normal levels. On November 2, Mumbai recorded 36.5 degrees which was also 1.8 degrees above the normal level.
On Sunday, Mumbai recorded 36.5 degrees, which is 1.8 degrees above normal.
While IMD officials have attributed the current rise in temperature to easterly winds, experts have linked it to global climate change.
“The current weather phenomenon is just an extension of the October heat. At present, there is the presence of easterlies which is bringing moisture to the landmass. The wind pattern needs to change for temperatures to get cooler. We had predicted temperatures to stay within the 33-35 range till November 3, and from early next week there may be a slight respite,” an IMD official told Express.
On October 31, Mumbai became the hottest city in Maharashtra. Weather officials maintained that increased temperature has become a normal phenomenon during the month of November over the past decade.
The IMD data shows that between 2017 and 2024, the highest maximum temperature for this month was recorded within the first six days of November. Further, the data also shows that on November 4, 2018, Mumbai recorded the highest maximum temperature in the recent past during the month of November at 37.6 degrees.
“At present, we have seen the November temperature within 35-36 degrees only. October was much hotter as we recorded day temperature up to 38 degrees,” the IMD official added.
Raghu Murtugudde, professor of climate studies at IIT Bombay said the current weather trend is a direct result of global climate change.
“Due to the greenhouse gas effect and global warming, the entire Middle-East and Mediterranean region is warming up. This part of the world is dominated by deserts which heat up easily. This in turn is warming the Arabian Sea, resulting in blowing of moist air towards Mumbai, resulting in increased daytime temperature,” Murtugudde told Express.
“This phenomenon is directly linked with climate change. During October, luckily we got showers for which the temperatures are still within the 35-36 degrees range. If there were no October showers, then the temperatures would have climbed up further,” he said.
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