As summer tightens its grip on Mumbai and its neighbouring areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm with a heatwave warning for the upcoming Sunday and Monday.
This impending heatwave marks the second such occurrence within a fortnight, signifying a worrying trend in the region’s weather patterns. The IMD’s forecast highlights a ‘yellow alert’ for Mumbai and Palghar, indicating the likelihood of exceptionally high temperatures ranging between 37 to 39 degrees Celsius over the specified period. In tandem, Thane faces a more prolonged heatwave scenario, with a three-day warning commencing from Saturday. This alert underscores the urgency for residents to take necessary precautions to mitigate the adverse effects of the impending heatwave. Friday already witnessed an uptick in temperatures, with Santacruz recording a maximum of 35.5 degrees Celsius, surpassing the seasonal average by nearly two degrees. Correspondingly, the minimum temperature stood at 26.4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a humidity level of 69%. Similarly, Colaba experienced a high of 32.6 degrees Celsius and a low of 26.4 degrees Celsius, with humidity peaking at 76%.
The trajectory indicates a gradual rise in temperatures on Saturday, setting the stage for the onset of severe heatwave conditions come Sunday. Such forecasts necessitate heightened awareness and preparedness among residents, with authorities urging individuals to stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities during peak hours to prevent heat-related illnesses. The IMD’s proactive issuance of heatwave alerts underscores its commitment to public safety and underscores the importance of timely information dissemination in mitigating weather-related risks. As Mumbai and Thane brace themselves for the impending heatwave, collective efforts towards heatwave resilience and adaptation become imperative to safeguarding public health and well-being in the face of climatic challenges. “Temperatures at Santacruz will reach 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, with the maximum brunt being felt in the eastern suburbs of Vikhroli, Bhandup and beyond. The rest of Mumbai will be hot and humid,” said Sushma Nair, a scientist at IMD Mumbai. “The cause is an expected anticyclonic circulation.”
