The intensity of the heat in Mumbai increased on Tuesday, March 11, with the maximum temperature recorded at 40 degrees Celsius at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Santacruz Observatory, after a scorching start to the week. This is the highest temperature in the city in the month of March in the last five years.
The maximum temperature at Santacruz Observatory was recorded at 40 degrees Celsius. This temperature is 7.6 degrees Celsius above normal, so it fits the criteria for severe heatwave. Severe heatwave is recorded when the temperature rises by more than 6.5 degrees above normal.
Meanwhile, the Colaba Observatory recorded a temperature of 35.4 degrees Celsius, which is 4.3 degrees above normal.
The highest temperature record in Mumbai in the month of March is 41.7 degrees Celsius on March 28, 1956.
Severe heatwave conditions continued in North Konkan too. Dahanu recorded a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, which was 9.6 degrees above normal. Thane recorded a temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius, which is 5.4 degrees above normal and indicates a heatwave condition, the Meteorological Department said.
The IMD had issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts. A warning was issued that severe heatwave conditions may persist in some areas.
The alert covers key urban and suburban areas, including parts of Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, where hot and humid conditions are expected to persist through mid-week.
However, the higher warning level than the earlier yellow advisory, indicates heatwave-like conditions with significant health risks, especially for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Weather officials said the decline in temperature will be gradual, offering some respite after the unusually intense early-March heat.
Why Mumbai’s temperature touched 40 degrees so early in the season?
As per Midday, there is an anticyclonic circulation over Gujarat and its neighbourhood, bringing dry easterlies over the region. This stalls the sea breeze, which generally moderates the temperatures of coastal cities. Therefore, the maximum temperature rises.
On Monday, March 9, the temperature in Santacruz was 6 degree Celsius above normal. There is no western disturbance or any other system affecting the temperature, and it is only the effect of the anticyclonic circulation.
Areas recording highest temperatures:
Ram Mandir - 42.4°C
Vikhroli - 41.6°C
Byculla - 40.0°C
Bandra - 39.7°C
Vidyavihar - 39.5°C
Chembur - 38.8°C
Dahisar - 38.8°C