On New Year’s day, Mumbai records above-normal temperature; IMD predicts more spikes

Data furnished by the weather department showed that on Tuesday the Santacruz observatory logged a maximum temperature of 34.2 degree, or 2.6 degree above normal, and the Colaba coastal observatory recorded 31 degree. Indicating a departure of 3.7 degree above the typical temperatures, the Santacruz station registered a minimum temperature of 20.5 degree.

In its forecast bulletin, IMD indicated that Mumbai’s minimum temperature is slated to drop upto 16 to 17 degrees starting Thursday until January 4. However, the drop in the minimum temperature will come alongside a stark spike in the daytime temperature with IMD’s bulletin stating that the maximum temperature is set to hover around 36 degree, and is likely to even hit 37 degree Celsius on Thursday (January 2).

Sunil Kamble, Director, IMD Mumbai told The Indian Express that the extreme difference in the forecast temperatures for the day and night is because of the varying wind directions. “We are to receive a good flow of northerly winds during night time owing to which the minimum temperatures will drop. However, during the afternoons, we are receiving the easterly winds which have led to the rise in the maximum temperatures. In the next 48 hours, the maximum temperatures could hover in the range of 35 to 36 degree,” said Kamble.

When asked about the incoming cool spells in Mumbai, Kamble said, “The intensity of the drop in the temperatures will depend on the severity of Western Disturbances. If Western Disturbances are severe and bring heavy snowfall, that will also spark a drop in temperatures in Mumbai.”