Mumbai sweltered under scorching temperatures, reaching a blistering 39.7°C on Tuesday, marking the hottest April day in a decade. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised an Orange Alert in Mumbai, which marks a ‘severe heatwave till Wednesday, as the mercury soared 6.5° above normal. Monday night brought no respite, with the city recording its “hottest night of the year”.
The IMD’s Santacruz observatory shattered records, surpassing the previous 2014 high of 39°C. Director Sunil Kamble extended the heatwave warning, attributing the spike to a cyclonic circulation over Central Maharashtra. Meteorologists predict temperatures to hover between 38°C and 39°C until Thursday and possibly Friday, warning of more heatwaves this summer.
Amidst the heat, Thane and Palghar brace for possible relief with forecasted light rain and thunderstorms. IMD officials foresee heatwave conditions persisting in North Konkan, including Mumbai, on April 18 and 19.
