Maharashtra weather: Below-normal temperatures in Mumbai as cold wave grips state’s interior

Mumbai

Mumbaikars experienced a noticeable drop in temperature on Monday morning, marking a crisp start to the week as an early winter chill descends upon the coastal city. The cool conditions, however, are just a precursor to a far more severe cold snap gripping the interior regions of Maharashtra, where the weather department has issued a cold wave alert.

The Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 18.9 degrees Celsius, a significant 2.3 degrees below the seasonal normal, while the maximum temperature settled at 32.8 degrees. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the city and the wider Konkan region can expect clear skies and this increased chill to persist, particularly during mornings and evenings.

Despite the nip in the air, no cold wave warnings are in effect for Mumbai or its metropolitan region, including Thane, Palghar and Raigad. In fact, a slight rise in temperatures is forecast towards the end of the week. “The minimum temperature in Mumbai will be around 17 to 18 degrees Celsius till Wednesday. After that, the temperature will slightly increase as the wind pattern is expected to change,” explained IMD Mumbai scientist Sushma Nair.

While Mumbai experiences a moderate coolness, the situation is markedly more severe in other parts of the state. The IMD has escalated its warnings, issuing a yellow-level cold wave alert for at least eight interior districts. The alert covers Dhule, Nashik, Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed and Hingoli, urging residents to take necessary precautions.

The mercury has plummeted across the state's heartland, driven by cold, dry winds from northern India. Pune is bracing for a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, while Nashik is expected to dip to 10 degrees Celsius. The IMD has stated that interiors of Maharashtra, especially Madhya Maharashtra and parts of Vidarbha, will witness temperatures falling below 10 degrees Celsius.

The regional forecast indicates widespread clear skies, which intensifies the cold after sundown. In Marathwada, the clear weather in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar belies a cold wave threat, with a low of 13 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in Vidarbha, Nagpur is set for a continued chill with a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius.

Authorities are advising citizens in the affected districts to wear warm clothing and to take special care of vulnerable community members as the severe cold conditions are likely to persist.