The India Meteorological Department has issued its first heatwave warning for Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra after the southwest monsoon withdrew from the state, with isolated pockets of Mumbai and Raigad likely to experience heatwave conditions on Friday, October 9.
The warning was issued in a weather bulletin by the Regional Meteorological Centre on October 8. It covers parts of coastal Maharashtra, where temperatures are expected to rise over the next few days and several Konkan districts are likely to experience hot and humid conditions.
Mumbai, Thane and Raigad recorded hot and humid weather on Thursday. The IMD said isolated pockets of Mumbai and Raigad could face heatwave conditions on Friday, while Thane is expected to remain hot and humid before dry weather returns over the weekend.
The forecast also points to varying weather conditions across other parts of the state. Ratnagiri is likely to experience heatwave conditions in isolated pockets on Thursday and Friday, followed by hot and humid weather on Saturday. Light to moderate thundershowers may develop in the district by Saturday afternoon or evening.
In Sindhudurg, light rain or thundershowers are expected towards the afternoon or evening on Friday and Saturday after hot and humid conditions. The IMD has also forecast isolated rain and thundershowers over parts of southern Maharashtra, including Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur, on Friday and Saturday. The Ghats of Kolhapur and Satara may receive isolated spells during the same period.
Northern Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada are expected to remain largely dry during the forecast period. Across the state, dry weather is expected to return from Sunday, October 11, through Monday, October 12, according to the bulletin.
The warning comes as Mumbai moves from the wet-season pattern into a warmer and more humid post-monsoon phase. For residents, the immediate concern is exposure to high temperatures combined with humidity, particularly during the afternoon when outdoor activity and travel can become more physically demanding.
The IMD has advised residents to remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours. It has also advised people not to take shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms and to unplug electrical equipment during thundershowers.
The weather office has issued a separate agrometeorological advisory for farmers in areas that may experience gusty winds and unseasonal rain. Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops at the earliest and move harvested produce to covered, dry storage. They have also been asked to avoid chemical spraying and irrigation during adverse weather, provide physical support to young crops and keep livestock safely sheltered indoors.
The IMD’s current forecast indicates that conditions will remain mixed across Maharashtra, with heatwave conditions in isolated coastal pockets, rain in parts of southern Maharashtra and a return to dry weather across the state from October 11.
