Mumbai records coldest May day at 22.2°C, lowest since 1951; rainy weekend likely

Mumbai experienced its coldest May morning in over seven decades on May 8, with temperatures plunging to 22.2°C in Colaba, the lowest since record-keeping began in 1881. The previous record of 22.8°C was set in 1951. Meanwhile, Santacruz recorded 20.6°C, making it the suburb’s second coldest May day in 40 years, just 0.4°C above the all-time low of 20.2°C in 1985.

The sudden chill, a sharp eight-degree drop from Tuesday’s 28.9°C, was caused by an unstable air mass following a passing cold front. The city also saw its wettest May since 2021, with Santacruz receiving 34mm of rain over three days.

Thursday brought a welcome respite as daytime temperatures dipped below normal, 31.9°C in Colaba and 32.6°C in Santacruz. While dry conditions are likely to return from May 10, brief spells of rain may make a comeback between May 11 and 14. Adding to the pleasant weather, Mumbai’s air quality held steady in the ‘Satisfactory’ range with an AQI of 85, offering residents a rare mix of clean air and unseasonal coolness.