Mumbai to boil till May 2

Brace yourselves as the extremely hot weather is set to persist through the entire week in the Konkan region, including the city, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for heatwave warnings in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad. On April 29, Mumbai recorded a temperature of 39.1 degree Celsius, marking the second-highest temperature for this season, following closely behind the peak of 39.7 degree Celsius earlier this month. This has brought heatwave-like conditions to the city and its neighbouring areas.

A woman covers her head with a wet towel. Pics/Ashish Raje

As per the Indian meteorological department and other independent meteorologists, the heatwave-like weather would remain for the next few days before slightly cooling down by May 2. IMD has advised people to minimise prolonged exposure to heat, maintain hydration by drinking ample water, opt for light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton attire, shield their heads with a hat, umbrella, or damp cloth when venturing out in the afternoon, and plan strenuous activities for cooler times of the day. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are expected to pose challenges for candidates who have commenced filing nominations, as well as for election campaigns and demonstrations of strength.

Speaking on the weather system Rajesh Kapadia of Vagaries of Weather, a private weather blog said: "April 29, Mumbai's Santacruz observatory recorded 39.1 degree Celsius. This is the second-highest of this season. Now, technically, this is termed as a heatwave, being 5 degrees above the normal. The real feel is 40 degree Celsius, and the humidity level drops to 20%. Colaba recorded 35.2 degree Celsius, (2°above normal)."

Predicting slightly cooler weather Kapadia said: "We can expect the Mumbai temperatures to reach normal levels of around 35 degree Celsius by May 2. We can attribute this intense heat to the strong anti-cyclone, or high pressure in the Arabian Sea, which is seasonal. The point to note is that this hot weather is restricted to the Konkan region."

39.7°C
Peak temperature recorded this summer