Mumbai faces rare February heatwave; IMD explains reasons, issues advisory

Heatwave

Mumbai is facing an unusual heatwave this February, with temperatures soaring above 37°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heatwave warning for Tuesday and Wednesday.

As far as India’s financial capital is concerned, it is a rare weather event for this time of the year.

Normally, Mumbai enjoys pleasant weather in February due to the cooling effect of the sea breeze. However, this time, easterly winds are delaying the sea breeze, leading to a rise in temperature.

The sea breeze, which usually starts in the morning, is now setting in later due to these winds. As a result, the city is heating up more than usual during the day.

While Mumbai has seen high temperatures in February over the past decade, a full-fledged heatwave is unusual, says Sushma Nair, an IMD scientist, as quoted by the Indian Express.

“For any coastal city, the sea breeze regulates the temperature, which currently has a delayed onset and reaches by 10 am to 11 am when the temperature is already hot,” she said.

The climate change, experts believe, is playing a role in these rising temperatures. Winds from the Middle East and Mediterranean, where desert regions are heating up, are bringing more heat and humidity to Mumbai.

Due to global warming, this weather pattern—usually seen between March and May—is now happening earlier in February. Similar heatwaves were recorded in Mumbai last summer, especially between March and April.

With temperatures expected to stay high for the next few days, the IMD has issued an advisory for residents.

People should avoid going out between 11 am and 4 pm, especially on Wednesday, which is a holiday for Mahashivratri. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and covering oneself with light, breathable clothing has been recommended by the weatherman.

The IMD issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai, Thane, and other neighbouring districts in Maharashtra's Konkan region till Wednesday. Although a slight drop in temperature is expected after three to four days, experts say it won’t bring much relief.

Mumbai’s rising heatwaves may become a more frequent occurrence in the coming years.