The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for isolated parts of Mumbai, the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Maharashtra’s Konkan belt, with the alert remaining in force until October 12. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai said heatwave conditions were likely in parts of South Konkan, while hot and humid weather was expected at isolated locations in North Konkan.
The warning follows the recent withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Maharashtra and comes as temperatures are forecast to rise across parts of the state over the next few days. The IMD said maximum temperatures could increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius in some areas over the next 48 hours, followed by a further rise of 1-3 degrees Celsius.
Parts of interior Maharashtra are expected to record maximum temperatures between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius on October 9 and 10, according to the weather department. The combination of higher temperatures and humidity is expected to increase discomfort, particularly in coastal areas and densely built-up parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The Regional Meteorological Centre’s bulletin issued on October 8 said isolated pockets of Mumbai and Raigad were likely to experience heatwave conditions on Friday, October 9. The warning also covers the Konkan coastal belt, although the expected conditions vary between South and North Konkan districts.
The MMR includes Mumbai and adjoining areas across Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts. The urban region is spread across nine municipal corporations, bringing a large and varied population under the weather watch. The alert therefore covers areas with different levels of built-up density, tree cover, outdoor activity and access to cooling or shaded public spaces.
Residents have been advised to follow official weather updates, drink sufficient water and limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. These precautions are particularly relevant for people working outdoors, commuters, older residents, children and those with health conditions that can be aggravated by heat and humidity.
The current warning is the first heatwave warning issued by the IMD for Mumbai and some other parts of Maharashtra, according to the report. The department has also forecast the possibility of light rain and thundershowers in parts of southern Maharashtra during the afternoon or evening over the weekend.
The IMD’s next weather bulletins will determine whether the warning is extended, withdrawn or updated for specific districts. Until then, Mumbai and the surrounding region remain under a weather watch as temperatures rise following the end of the southwest monsoon.
