Mumbai gets 2-day heatwave alert as February hits 38.4°C after 5 years

Richa Pinto / TNN / Updated: Feb 25, 2025, 09:29 IST

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Mumbai experienced a five-year high temperature of 38.4°C for February, prompting the regional meteorological department to issue a heatwave warning for Feb 25-26. This is the first heatwave warning of the year. The delayed sea breeze and strong easterly winds are responsible for the high temperatures, which are expected to persist with little relief in sight.

Mumbai gets 2-day heatwave alert as February hits 38.4°C after 5 years

MUMBAI: The regional meteorological department issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai for Feb 25-26 as the city recorded a five-year high for the month at 38.4°C on Monday.
The last time Mumbai hit 38.4°C in Feb was on Feb 28, 2020. It was the first heatwave warning for the year.
For the month of Feb, Mumbai's all-time highest recorded day temperature at Santacruz observatory was 39.6 degrees on Feb 25, 1966.
At 38.4 degrees, the IMD Santacruz's maximum temperature was 6.4 degrees above normal, while in the case of IMD Colaba, which recorded 36.8 degrees, it was 6.2 degrees above normal. A heatwave warning was also issued for Thane and Raigad.

In its forecast for the next 24 hours, the IMD stated that day temperatures are likely to be 37 degrees and 22 degrees, indicating that there isn't any relief in store from the scorching heat for citizens of city and adjoining areas.
Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD Mumbai, said the delayed sea breeze was causing the heat. "The heat has been in isolated pockets owing to the delayed sea breeze and strong easterly winds. Apart from it, the anticyclone at the mid-level wasn't allowing the air to rise," she said.
IMD declares a heatwave when maximum temperatures cross 37°C, and the departure is 4.5 above normal.
Key highlights:

Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 38.4°C on Feb 25, marking the highest for February in five years.
The regional meteorological department issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad for Feb 25-26 due to soaring temperatures.
The last time Mumbai recorded 38.4°C in February was on Feb 28, 2020. The all-time highest February temperature at Santacruz Observatory remains 39.6°C on Feb 25, 1966.
Delayed sea breeze, strong easterly winds, and a mid-level anticyclone preventing air from rising are contributing to the unusual heat, according to IMD scientist Sushma Nair.
IMD’s 24-hour forecast predicts day temperatures around 37°C, with no respite from the heat expected for Mumbai and its adjoining areas.

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About the Author

Richa Pinto

Richa Pinto is a special correspondent with The Times of India. She covers urban governance & climate change issues. With over a decade of experience in field reporting, she has written extensively on various civic issues affecting Mumbaikars. She graduated in -journalism from the prestigious Mumbai-based St Xavier's College and later pursued a three-year Law degree (L.L.B.) with the University of Mumbai. She regularly tweets about all things that matter to Mumbai on-- @richapintoi.

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