Mumbai is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave this February, with temperatures soaring to alarming levels. On February 14, the city’s Santacruz weather station recorded a scorching 36.7 degrees Celsius, more than five degrees above normal, while the coastal Colaba observatory registered 32.9 degrees.
No relief in sight
This heatwave comes on the heels of a sudden four-degree spike on February 13, with temperatures expected to climb even higher over the weekend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a blistering 38°C on Saturday, which could make it the city’s hottest February day since 2020, when temperatures hit 38.4°C.
Meteorologists attribute this unusual heat to an anticyclone system along the western coast, pushing in warmer north-westerly winds while blocking the cooler northerly breeze. Despite scorching days, nights have remained relatively cooler, with Santacruz recording 19.2°C and Colaba 21.5°C on Friday morning.
With Mumbai’s all-time February record standing at 39.6°C (set in 1966), weather experts warn that hot conditions will persist until February 18, with only a slight relief expected after that.
