Mumbai: As India’s financial capital has been reeling under scorching heat, the city recorded 39.4 degrees celsius maximum temperature on Sunday, which was the highest day temperature of the season in the country. India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai from Friday to Sunday.
City’s Santacruz observatory recorded the maximum temperature in 24 hours at 39.4 degrees Celsius which was six degrees above normal and the measuring at IMD Colaba observatory was 35.8 which was four degrees above normal.
Last week, the city recorded its maximum temperature at 39.3 degrees.
Notably, Mumbai’s maximum temperature these days are higher than Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, which has been traditionally recognised as India’s hottest spot. The maximum temperature in Sri Ganganagar now is between 34-36 degrees Celsius. However, the summer is yet to start in Sri Ganganagar.
The heatwave condition is happening mainly due to the presence of strong easterly wind, which is delaying the sea breeze. The easterlies make the weather hotter and more humid, the weather experts explain.
The city has been placed under a heatwave alert for the past three days. As per the Met department’s latest forecast issued on Monday morning, the heatwave condition is likely to continue in the city. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 37 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius.
However, the IMD scientists earlier said the situation may improve from Monday onwards due to the possible favourable change in wind patterns.
The summer season in Mumbai usually lasts from March to June, which is typically very hot and humid, with temperatures generally ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. With high humidity levels, the summer in the city would generally be harsher.
