The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heatwave conditions at isolated locations in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad on Monday. Independent weather forecaster Abhijit Modak attributed Sunday’s temperature spike to a dry northerly/northeasterly land breeze influenced by a seasonal high-pressure area over the north-central Arabian Sea. Despite hot and humid conditions expected on April 30, no heatwave warning is currently in effect. However, dry weather conditions are likely to persist from May 1 onwards.
Precautionary Measures Advised: The IMD has advised individuals to avoid prolonged heat exposure, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing, cover their heads with a hat, umbrella, or wet cloth when outdoors during the afternoon, and schedule strenuous tasks during cooler parts of the day.
Previous Temperature Records: On Sunday, the IMD Colaba and Santacruz observatories recorded minimum temperatures of 27.6 degrees and 27.2 degrees, respectively, marking one of the warmest nights of the season. Earlier, on April 17, the Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 28.1 degrees, which was 3.6 degrees above normal.
Heatwave Conditions Across India: The IMD has predicted ‘severe’ heatwave conditions in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand for the next three days. Additionally, heatwave conditions are expected in isolated areas of Rayalaseema, Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh for the next five days. Telangana is likely to experience heatwave conditions from April 29 to May 1, while Kerala and Konkan are expected to face them on April 29.
Relative Humidity Levels: Relative humidity levels were notably high, with the IMD Colaba and Santacruz observatories recording levels of 1.4 degrees and 1.9 degrees, respectively. The IMD declares a heatwave when maximum temperatures exceed 37 degrees Celsius and the deviation is 4.5 degrees above normal.
