Mumbai Sizzles Under Heatwave: IMD Warns of High Temperatures on Feb 25, 26
Mumbai, February 25: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai and its surrounding areas as the city experiences unusually high temperatures. On Monday, February 25, Mumbai recorded its hottest February day in five years, with the Santacruz observatory registering a scorching 38.4°C—6.4 degrees above the seasonal average. This surpasses the previous record of 38.4°C on February 28, 2020. The Colaba observatory, located along the coast, recorded a maximum of 36.8°C, which is 6.2 degrees above normal.
Prolonged Heatwave Expected
Mumbai is expected to endure another two days of intense heat and humidity, with temperatures remaining high until at least Wednesday. According to IMD scientist Sushma Nair, a strong easterly wind pattern is preventing the cooling sea breeze from setting in, pushing temperatures well above normal. “The warm spell is likely to persist for at least three more days, as there is no forecast of rain,” she told The Indian Express.
On Sunday, the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 37.2°C, 5.2 degrees above the norm. In the preceding days, Mumbai saw consistently high temperatures—37.2°C on February 22 and 37.3°C on February 21. With the average February maximum standing at 31.3°C, the city’s daytime temperatures have remained well above seasonal levels for nearly a week.
Precautionary Measures Issued
The IMD has advised residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Key recommendations include:
- Staying indoors during peak heat hours, especially between 12 PM and 4 PM.
- Drinking plenty of water, even if not feeling thirsty, to stay hydrated.
- Wearing loose, light-colored clothing and using hats or umbrellas when stepping out.
- Avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
- Recognizing signs of heat stroke, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, or weakness, and seeking immediate medical help if symptoms appear.
With no relief expected in the coming days, Mumbaikars are urged to take necessary precautions to cope with the extreme heat.
