Mumbai gets first heatwave alert of season as temperatures are expected to hit 38 degree Celsius

Mumbaikars cope with the sweltering heat on Thursday. Pics/Ashish Raje

Mumbai is in for a hot Friday. The mercury is expected to touch 38°C, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue the first heat wave warning of the season for the city and suburbs. The yellow alert comes just days after the monsoon officially withdrew from Mumbai on October 3.

The city recorded a maximum of 35.4°C on Wednesday, and 37.6°C on Thursday. The relative humidity was 55 per cent.

RMC Mumbai chief Bikram Singh said temperatures could rise to 38°C on Friday. "Temperatures are expected to go as high as 38°C, and the departure will be around 4.5; thus, the technicalities prompted us to declare a heat wave. Although it's not that worse as lesser humidity would be a relief."

And the air isn't great either

Mumbai's PM10 AQI moved into the ‘moderate' category on Thursday, with a reading of 120, compared with 91 on Wednesday.

PM10 AQI
Oct 8 - 120
Oct 7 - 91
Oct 6 - 77
Oct 5 - 86
Oct 4 - 92
Oct 3 - 88
Oct 2 - 110
Oct 1 - 79

Don't miss this today

Do right
. Drink plenty of water throughout the day
. Carry ORS or another hydrating drink
. Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes
. Use an umbrella, hat and sunglasses when outdoors
. Take a break if you feel dizzy or unusually tired

Don't wrong
. Avoid being out in the sun between noon and 3 pm where possible
. Avoid strenuous activity in the heat
. Don't leave children or pets inside parked vehicles
. Cut down on alcohol and excessive caffeinated drinks

Doctor's advice

A senior municipal doctor said Mumbaikars should take the warning seriously, particularly because temperatures of 38°C are unusual for the city. "Mumbaikars are not familiar with temperatures as high as 38° so it's better they practice caution, with regular hydration. If someone feels symptoms like dizziness or headache, they should seek a doctor's opinion."

From monsoon to heat

The IMD's withdrawal of the monsoon is based on a sustained reduction in rainfall and moisture, along with the establishment of drier conditions. With the monsoon gone, Mumbai can expect clearer skies and lower humidity - but that does not necessarily mean cooler days. The city's forecast for the next few days shows temperatures staying in the mid-30s, with Friday expected to be the hottest day of the week.

Oct 3
Day monsoon officially withdrew from Mumbai, the city and suburbs have now been placed under the first heat wave alert of the season