Mumbaikars are now slowly beginning to feel the heat. After weeks of pleasant weather, a combination of humidity, low wind speed and rise in temperature in Mumbai has been witnessed over the last few days. However, owing to this, overall air quality has been deteriorating in the city.
Since the third dust storm hit the city a few days ago, the air quality index of Mumbai has been almost 2-3 times higher than in Delhi.
Moreover, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the temperature will rise above average this summer in Mumbai.
It has also come to light that Mumbai and its surrounding areas are pleasant in the morning, hot in the afternoon and again cooler in the nights.
On Wednesday, March 2, IMD Mumbai’s Santacruz and Colaba observatory recorded minimum temperature of 20.6 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius respectively. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature recorded was at 33 degrees Celsius and 31.4 degree Celsius.
As per the weather department, the temperature in Konkan, Central Maharashtra and North Maharashtra is likely to be above average. Scientists say the possibility of heat waves cannot be ruled out considering the weather conditions.
The minimum temperature in Konkan and Ghat region is likely to be 65 to 75 percent above average. In North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra and some parts of Vidarbha, the temperature is likely to be above average 35 to 65 percent. In the rest of Vidarbha and Marathwada, the temperature is likely to be above average 35 to 55 percent.
The maximum temperature is likely to be above average at 35 to 65 percent in Konkan and North Maharashtra. The maximum temperature in western Maharashtra and some parts of Vidarbha is likely to be 35 to 45 percent above average.
Meanwhile, according to the second instalment of the sixth IPCC assessment report released on Monday, February 28, wet-bulb temperatures, a measure that combines heat and humidity, are harmful to humans…working or living under shade. A wet-bulb temperature of 31°C is exceedingly harmful to humans, while a temperature of 35°C is unsurvivable for more than 6 hours.
Moreover, due to this, Vidarbha, will face serious impacts of heat waves. And increasing air conditioning will contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Vidarbha is at risk of exceeding wet-bulb temperatures of 32-34°C.
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)’s 2021 report says climate change is evident in the state. Almost every district has seen extreme and untimely rainfall in the last five years with half the districts experiencing it 5-7 times. Besides, Maharashtra has recorded a decadal four-time rise in extreme drought events (around 80 in 2010-19 from 17 in 1990-99), including in the Konkan region.
Share
Tweet
