City records highest temp in April at 39.7°C

MUMBAI: As the scorching temperatures continue, the heat wave warning has been extended over the city for Wednesday, although a slight improvement may be witnessed. So far in this summer season, Tuesday was the hottest day with an ‘Orange’ severe heatwave alert as well as the highest maximum temperatures the city has seen in April in the last decade at 39.7 degrees Celsius, a whopping 6.3 degrees above normal. Humidity was 64%.

Colaba saw a high of 35.2 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees above normal, with humidity at 70%. The discomfort was also visible in the minimum temperature recorded at both stations, at 27.5 degrees Celsius at Santacruz and 27.8 degrees Celsius at Colaba. On Monday, the minimum was 25.6 degrees Celsius (at Santacruz). “The heatwave stays, but the temperatures won’t get worse than they were on Tuesday,” said Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD Mumbai. The maximum forecast for Wednesday is 37 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius. “After that, temperatures will reduce a bit.”

Nair attributed the heat wave to easterly winds over many parts of the state, which delayed the setting of the sea breeze and caused higher temperatures.

“There is also anticyclonic circulation at the mid-levels, which on Tuesday, was right over Mumbai. This will distort, causing the discomfort levels to reduce on Wednesday, while the easterly winds will stay.”

Dr Daksha Shah, executive health officer, BMC, emphasised the importance of staying hydrated and wearing appropriate clothing to prevent heat-related illnesses. “We have advised citizens to wear light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes, along with using protective eyewear, umbrellas, or hats when going out in the sun.”