HighLights
  1. Mumbai recorded hottest October day in eight years at 37.6°C.
  2. IMD issued heatwave warning for MMR, Konkan until October 12.
  3. Delayed sea breeze caused high temperatures and moderate air quality.

Mumbai Heatwave Alert: Mumbai recorded its hottest October day in eight years on Thursday as temperatures touched 37.6 degrees Celsius in the suburbs, accompanied by a drop in air quality. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a heatwave warning for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Maharashtra's coastal belt of Konkan until October 12.

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Temperature Touches 37.6 Degrees Celsius

Santacruz: Recorded 37.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the highest October temperature at the station since October 28, 2018, when the mercury touched 38 degrees Celsius.

Colaba: Recorded 36.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday, 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal.

IMD Issues Heatwave Alert

The IMD's Regional Meteorological Centre warned that heatwave conditions are likely in isolated pockets in districts of South Konkan, while hot and humid conditions will prevail in parts of North Konkan.

In coastal districts like Mumbai, a heatwave warning is issued when maximum temperatures remain 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above normal for a sustained period.

Maximum temperatures over some parts of Maharashtra are forecast to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, and by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius thereafter. Interior parts of the state are expected to experience temperatures between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius on October 9 and 10.

Why Is Mumbai Temperature Rising?

Speaking to The Indian Express, IMD scientist Sushma Nair said that an anticyclonic circulation has delayed the sea breeze, which normally brings relief to the city.

"The prevalent anticyclonic circulation has delayed the influx of sea breeze, which plays a crucial role in cooling down the region. This has resulted in a spike in temperatures," Nair said.

Mumbai AQI Drops To Moderate Category

The lack of strong sea breezes has also prevented atmospheric pollutants from dispersing, leading to a drop in air quality.

Mumbai's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 120 on Thursday from 91 on Wednesday, moving into the 'moderate' category.

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Out of 20 active monitoring stations in Mumbai, 14 recorded air pollution in the moderate category:

  • Worli: 163
  • Deonar: 154
  • Colaba: 151
  • Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): 130

Under Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI of 0-50 is classified as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, and above 400 as severe.

(With Inputs From PTI)


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