Hot, humid spell to grip Mumbai; IMD issues yellow alert

Commuters navigate the afternoon heat in Bandra amid rising temperatures and humidity in Mumbai. Pic/Atul Kamble

Mumbai and its neighbouring districts - Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg - are likely to experience hot and humid weather conditions over the next few days, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for the region. The alert remains in place between May 6 and May 9, with temperatures expected to rise and discomfort levels increasing, during peak afternoon hours.

What to expect

>> Mumbai's maximum temperature likely to touch 36°C
>> Thane may see temperatures exceeding 39°C
>> Hot and humid conditions expected to persist till May 9
>> Despite the alert, IMD has not issued a heat wave warning for Mumbai

Commuters step out in the afternoon heat at Bandra as hot and humid conditions grip Mumbai. Pic/Atul Kamble

District-wise alert

May 6 to May 9 Mumbai, Thane, Raigad
May 7 to May 9 Palghar
May 6 to May 8 Ratnagiri

What to expect

Heat cramps
>> Swelling
>> Fainting
>> Mild fever (below 39°C)

Heat exhaustion
>> Fatigue, dizziness
>> Headache, nausea, vomiting
>> Muscle cramps, heavy sweating

Heat stroke (medical emergency)
>> Body temperature ≥ 40°C
>> Delirium, seizures or coma

Advisory for residents

IMD issued a cautionary advisory, especially for vulnerable groups.
Precautions to follow:
>> Avoid going out between noon and 3 pm
>> Wear loose, light cotton clothing
>> Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

Weather across the state

IMD has issued a thunderstorm and rainfall warning for: Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Beed, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha

Why no heat wave alert?

As per IMD criteria for coastal regions like Mumbai:

Heat wave
>> Temperature ≥ 37°C
>> Departure from normal ≥ 4.5°C

Severe heat wave
>> Departure from normal > 6.4°C. Conditions must persist for at least two consecutive days. Current conditions do not meet these thresholds.

What IMD says

IMD official,
‘The increase in hot and humid conditions for Mumbai has been attributed to an influx of dry wind from the Arabian Sea. It is likely to last for a week.'

Latest temperature readings in Mumbai

35°C
Santacruz

34°C
Colaba