IMD Warns Mumbai Of Severe Summer As Temperature Crosses 37°C Due To..

IMD Warns Mumbai Of Severe Summer 

Mumbai, which enjoys mild winters and hot and humid summers, is experiencing a rare February heatwave, with temperatures reaching 37-38°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the metropolis and neighbouring areas, warning citizens of the record high temperature.

The sudden rise in temperature, almost 5°C above the average, has been causing worry regarding water  supplies and public health, as it is very unusual to experience such high heat in February.

The current heatwave is attributed to several factors by meteorologists:

• A delayed sea breeze typically brings cooling respite to the city.
  
• The strong easterly winds suppress the moderating effect of the cooler westerly winds.
  
• A mid-level anticyclone that retains warm air, leading to increased temperatures.
  
• Desert-origin hot, dry winds from the Middle East and Mediterranean reached the Indian mainland.

IMD has forecast an additional increase of 2-3°C over the Konkan belt in the next few days, with temperatures likely to be between 37-39°C before easing a bit.

“Over the past 10 years we have recorded day temperatures on the higher side in February. While a heatwave-like situation has not arisen before, this is not totally unprecedented,” Sushma Nair, says a scientist from the IMD.

“At present there is an intervention of easterly winds which is delaying the sea breeze. The sea breeze usually sets in by 10-11 am in the morning, but due to the easterly winds, the setting is delayed by a couple of hours, which results in a rise in temperature during the day. If the sea breeze settled on time, then the temperature wouldn’t have been this high,” Nair added.

Residents are being advised by authorities to be careful against heatstroke and other heat-related aliments, such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun in the middle of the day, and dressing lightly.

The dramatic difference between day and night temperatures has also contributed to the misery, with nights continuing to be warmer than normal.

Although relief is likely by the weekend, experts note that the unprecedented heatwave is a wake-up call for changing climate trends and the growing unpredictability of weather patterns.