IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Heatwave in Mumbai and Surrounding Areas
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Synopsis
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for a heatwave affecting Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Navi Mumbai, with temperatures significantly above normal for the next three days, causing discomfort among residents.
Key Takeaways
- IMD issues yellow alert for heatwave.
- Temperatures in Mumbai reach 38.5°C in February.
- Humidity levels remain high, adding to discomfort.
- Weather patterns are altering due to anticyclones.
- Heatwave expected to persist for another week.
Mumbai, Feb 25 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for a heatwave across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Navi Mumbai for the upcoming three days, showing no signs of significant relief.
The IMD has indicated that current temperatures are hovering six to seven degrees above the seasonal average, with Mumbai hitting 38.5 degrees Celsius in February—marking the highest temperature for this month in five years. The city is enduring a combination of hot and humid weather, with afternoon temperatures exceeding 36 degrees, leading to increasingly uncomfortable conditions.
As reported by private weather agency Skymet, Mumbai is expected to remain humid and warm for the remainder of the month, driven by multiple factors contributing to these oppressive conditions. The delayed arrival of the sea breeze, prolonged exposure to land winds, and rising temperatures will continue to exacerbate discomfort.
The financial hub has been facing soaring temperatures for over a week. The Santacruz observatory has consistently reported temperatures above 36 degrees, with a maximum of 36.7 degrees recorded on February 14—making it the warmest day in two months.
Before this, Mumbai experienced a temperature of 37.3 degrees on December 4, 2024. On Monday, Santacruz noted a high of 36.3 degrees, approximately 4.5 degrees above the normal temperature, according to Skymet.
Meteorologists point to a mix of factors responsible for these intense conditions. An anticyclone situated over the northern and eastern Arabian Sea, along with another over Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, is directing warm air toward Mumbai.
Furthermore, a north-south trough extending across Coastal Karnataka, Konkan, and Goa is modifying wind patterns. Consequently, the city is encountering hot land winds from the east and southeast, instead of the usual cooling sea breeze.
The delayed arrival of the sea breeze is significantly affecting Mumbai's rising temperatures. Ordinarily, the sea breeze begins around noon, helping to moderate daytime heat.
However, even a one-hour delay can elevate temperatures by 2-3 degrees. In recent days, hot northeasterly winds have prevailed during the afternoons, rendering conditions unbearably warm.
Meteorologists anticipate that Mumbai will continue to see temperatures around or exceeding 36 degrees on Tuesday, with high humidity further intensifying discomfort. The heatwave conditions are projected to last for at least another week, keeping Mumbaikars sweating through the closing days of February.
