Mumbai sizzles at 37.8°C, 4.1°C above normal; yellow alert issued for 3rd straight day

MUMBAI: The city was under a heatwave warning for the third consecutive day on Wednesday with a yellow alert issued by the IMD.

For October 14, the weather bureau has warned of hot and humid weather conditions in isolated areas as temperatures continue to remain elevated.

Maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday by the IMD Santacruz observatory was 37.8 degree Celsius which was 4.1 degree Celsius above normal while the IMD Colaba observatory recorded 36.4 degree Celsius which was 3.2 degree Celsius above normal.

Mumbai has been place under a heatwave warning for October 15, with October 16 forecasted to witness hot and humid weather conditions.

Meanwhile light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected for October 17-18 for Mumbai and Thane.

Just a day ago the city had recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degree Celsius, making it the second-hottest October day in 11 years.

Meanwhile mercury had touched 38.2 degree Celsius on Monday, the highest October maximum recorded in the city during the same period.

IMD officials too agreed that the a prolonged heatwave for early in the month of October wasn’t very common.

“The anticyclone which lead to the first heatwave warning on October 9 last week has shifted slightly northwards, but an easterly wave is influencing the region, with temperatures likely to touch 37.8 degree Celsius on Thursday.

This will mean seven consecutive days of temperatures above 37 degree Celsius, which is unusually oppressive for Mumbai," said an IMD official.

The official further informed, "While the city does experience spells of two to three days of high temperatures, a continuous stretch of six to seven days is not normal. An easterly wave is a weather system characterised by a trough that travels from east to west. It is a feature of this season and can interact with weather systems approaching from the west, triggering intense thunderstorms. Its role in prolonging the current hot spell is a factor that needs to be examined, particularly in the context of a strong El Niño year."

According to Akshay Sunil, vice president, WeatherEx Pvt Ltd, “The heat over Mumbai is part of a broader warm spell across western India. A high-pressure circulation and easterly to northeasterly winds are limiting the usual cooling sea breeze, while clear post-monsoon skies are allowing strong daytime heating. Humidity adds to the discomfort."

"Our extended outlook suggests that above-normal temperatures may continue through at least October 22, although local light showers could bring temporary relief post October 22 in parts of Konkan,” Akshay Sunil added.