Mumbai recorded its highest temperature of the month for the second consecutive day on Sunday, February 22.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature at Santacruz Observatory was recorded at 36.3°C, which was 4.3°C above the average. The maximum temperature at Colaba Observatory was recorded at 34.8°C, which was 4.2°C above the average.
The temperature is expected to drop by 4 to 5 degrees in the latter half of the week. Meteorologists believe that the sudden change in the mercury is due to the transition from winter to summer.
This is the third highest temperature in the month of February in the last decade. It is also one of the highest temperatures in Maharashtra. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms in the Vidarbha region. However, no official warning has been issued for Mumbai and the metropolitan region yet.
According to the forecast for Mumbai city and suburbs for the next 24 hours, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy. Hazy weather is likely in the morning. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 35°C and the minimum temperature is expected to be around 20°C.
The change in weather has also affected the air quality, with Mumbai's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 118 on Sunday. In some areas, the AQI crossed 150.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the areas where the AQI was high are as follows:
Bandra-Kurla Complex (166)
Deonar (157)
Navy Nagar-Colaba (157)
Chakala-Andheri East (150)
Malad West (150)
IMD Mumbai scientist Sushma Nair said, "Although there is no sign of rain in Mumbai and MMR at present, there is a possibility of rain and thundershowers in the coming days due to the weather transition."
Independent weather analyst Rushikesh Agre said in a post on Twitter, “February has been a roller coaster so far. The last three weeks have seen a sharp rise and fall in temperatures.”
Agre further noted, “A low pressure area (LPA) has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is moving westwards. Due to this, there is a possibility of rain in many parts of South India. There is also a possibility of rain in Madhya Maharashtra. Mumbai and Konkan will have partly cloudy to mostly summer weather for the next 48 hours. Temperatures will remain high until then.”