Mumbai’s heatwave continued for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, with the city recording a maximum temperature of 37.8°C at the India Meteorological Department’s Santacruz observatory, 4.1°C above normal. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for October 15, warning of continued heat, while hot and humid conditions are forecast in isolated areas on October 14 and October 16.
The IMD’s Colaba observatory recorded a maximum of 36.4°C, which was 3.2°C above normal. The sustained heat has made the current spell notable for Mumbai, where temperatures generally rise for shorter periods rather than remaining elevated for nearly a week.
The city had recorded 38°C a day earlier, making it the second-hottest October day in 11 years, according to the report. On Monday, the mercury reached 38.2°C, the highest October maximum recorded in Mumbai during the same period.
An IMD official said the city could experience seven consecutive days with temperatures above 37°C, describing the prolonged spell as unusually oppressive for Mumbai. “While the city does experience spells of two to three days of high temperatures, a continuous stretch of six to seven days is not normal,” the official said.
The official attributed the first heatwave warning to an anticyclone that emerged on October 9 and has since shifted slightly northwards. An easterly wave is also influencing the region and may help sustain temperatures around 37.8°C on Thursday. The official said the interaction between the weather systems and their possible relationship with a strong El Niño year required further examination.
The weather conditions are significant for a coastal city where the sea breeze usually contributes to daytime cooling. Akshay Sunil, vice president of WeatherEx Pvt Ltd, said a high-pressure circulation and easterly to northeasterly winds were limiting the usual cooling sea breeze across Mumbai. Clear post-monsoon skies were allowing stronger daytime heating, while humidity was increasing discomfort, he said.
The heat is part of a broader warm spell across western India, according to Sunil. His extended outlook suggests that above-normal temperatures could continue until at least October 22, although local light showers may provide temporary relief in parts of Konkan after that date.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers for Mumbai and Thane on October 17 and 18. Until then, the city is expected to remain under conditions of elevated heat and humidity, with the yellow alert continuing on October 15. The forecast indicates that any relief from the current spell will depend on the expected change in weather conditions later in the week.
