Mumbai is currently experiencing a significant heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 36.7 degrees Celsius on Friday, February 14, 2025, which is over five degrees above normal for this time of year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that temperatures could rise even further, potentially reaching 38 degrees Celsius over the weekend.
The regional Santacruz weather station of IMD recorded the maximum temperature at 36.7 degrees Celsius, while the Colaba observatory reported a slightly lower temperature of 32.9 degrees Celsius. This rise in temperature follows a sudden increase of 4 degrees just a day earlier, when the suburbs recorded a maximum of 36 degrees Celsius.
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Meteorologists attribute this anomalous spike in temperatures to the presence of an anticyclone system along the western coast, which has brought warmer northwesterly winds. Additionally, the absence of westerly disturbances has hindered the influx of cooler, northerly winds that typically provide relief during winter months.
As residents cope with the sweltering heat, nighttime temperatures have remained relatively cooler, with Santacruz recording 19.2 degrees Celsius on Friday morning. However, the IMD forecasts that daytime temperatures will hover around 35 degrees Celsius until at least February 18, with a slight possibility of a drop in heat levels thereafter.
Mumbai's hottest February day was recorded in 1966 when temperatures peaked at 39.5 degrees Celsius, while the coldest day was noted in 2008 at 8.5 degrees Celsius. The current weather conditions have raised concerns among citizens about air quality and health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.