After scorching Sunday, heatwave to continue in Mumbai for next 24 hours
Temperatures are likely to hover around 41 degrees on Monday (Representational Image)
Mumbai’s mercury levels rose to a staggering 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday as the city recorded the second highest temperature in March in a decade, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The mercury levels yesterday soared to 41 degrees Celsius, which made it the second hottest day in March this decade, getting within a touching distance of 41.3 degrees C recorded on March 17, 2011.
The highest ever temperature recorded this month in Mumbai was on March 28, 1956 when the mercury reached 41.7 degrees Celsius.
Till Saturday, the maximum temperature was hovering around the 33 degrees mark. However, at 41 degrees, Sunday’s temperature was over 8 degrees above normal. It was recorded at the IMD’s Santacruz observatory.
Colaba observatory, on the other hand, recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees, which was 6.5 degrees above normal. The minimum temperatures recorded at Colaba and Santacruz was 21.2 degrees and 23.5 degrees respectively.
“A low-level inversion led to a spike in temperatures. The easterly winds don’t let the sea breeze effect to set in, which is why the temperatures rise,” IMD director Shubhangi Bhute said.
According to data from the network set up by private meteorological firm SkyMet, places like Thane, Panvel, and Pen also recorded mercury levels close to 42-43 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
Monday is likely to be hot in Mumbai, with the temperatures likely to hover around 41 degrees mark, according to the IMD.
“Temperatures were appreciably above normal today. This is a severe heat wave-like condition, and it would prevail for the next 24 hours,” K S Hosalikar, deputy director-general at Regional Meteorological Centre was quoted saying.
The temperature will gradually fall below 36 degrees as the week progresses.
While Sunday’s weather had all the markings of a heatwave, the weather department did not issue a heatwave alert as it is typically declared when temperatures remain 4-5 degrees above normal for at least two days.
However, IMD’s forecast for Monday warned of a heatwave.
IMD forecast on Monday morning
Citizens are therefore advised to avoid dehydration and keep water bottles and umbrellas handy when stepping outside.
