IMD issues orange alert as Mumbai temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius

Visitors spend a sunny afternoon at Marine Drive. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai, indicating heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated pockets, on Tuesday, when the day temperature soared to 40 degrees C, according to readings from the Santacruz observatory. The reading - the highest temperature recorded in the city in March since 2021 - is 7.6 degrees above the normal temperature.

On the other hand, the Colaba observatory recorded 35.4 degrees, which is 4.3 degrees above normal for this day. However, parts of Mumbai saw temperatures soaring above 40 degrees, mainly areas in the western suburbs of Ram Mandir (Oshiwara), which recorded temperatures of 42.4 degrees, and Vikhroli at 41.6 degrees.

A woman shields her head from the sun with a scarf in Worli. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

The IMD's forecast indicates a yellow alert for Mumbai for Wednesday, with hot and humid weather, followed by a green alert or dry weather from Thursday. The IMD also issued the orange alert for the neighbouring districts of Thane and Palghar for Tuesday, indicating heatwave to severe heatwave conditions, and a yellow alert for Wednesday, indicating hot and humid weather.

A pedestrian braves the scorching afternoon heat at Charni Road on Tuesday. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

Area wise max temperatures

Ram Mandir: 42.4 degree celsius
Vikhroli: 41.6 degree celsius
Byculla: 40.0 degree celsius
Bandra: 39.7 degree celsius
Vidyavihar: 39.5 degree celsius
Chembur: 38.8 degree celsius
Dahisar: 38.8 degree celsius

IMD's max temperature predictions

March 11 37 degree celsius
March 12 35 degree celsius
March 13 35 degree celsius
March 14 36 degree celsius
March 15 35 degree celsius
March 16 35 degree celsius

Tuesday's readings

Wind speed
10 to 18 kmph

Humidity
28 percent to 37 percent

Maximum Temperature
40 degree celsius