Mumbai records hottest June night in 57 years as minimum temperature hits 30.2 degrees Celsius

High humidity levels further intensified the discomfort for residents. Representational pic

Mumbai recorded its hottest June night in at least 57 years on Friday, with the minimum temperature reaching 30.2 degrees Celsius at the Colaba observatory, according to news reports citing India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.

This temperature was 3.8 degrees above normal and the highest minimum temperature for June in the available records spanning 57 years. The Santacruz observatory, which is representative of the suburbs, also recorded a minimum of 30.1 degrees Celsius.

Reports indicate that the delayed monsoon and below-normal pre-monsoon rainfall this year contributed to the unusually warm nights. High humidity levels further intensified the discomfort for residents.

Such high nighttime temperatures have become more common in recent years due to rapid urbanisation, reduction in green cover and the urban heat island effect in Mumbai. Concrete structures absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, preventing temperatures from dropping.

The warm spell has caused significant discomfort to citizens, especially those living in densely populated areas and poorly ventilated homes. Many residents complained of sleepless nights and increased reliance on fans and coolers.

According to weather reports, the monsoon is expected to advance further in the coming days, which may bring some relief from the elevated night temperatures. Until then, citizens are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

Daytime temperatures have also remained above normal, hovering around 35-36 degrees Celsius in many parts of the city. Meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely as the monsoon progresses over the region.

As reservoir storage dips to 25 per cent, Maharashtra prioritises drinking water supply

With reservoir levels lower than last year due to deficient rainfall, Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has directed officials to accord the highest priority to ensuring drinking water supply across the state until August 31.

He also ordered strict action against illegal water extraction and called for coordinated efforts to manage available water resources.

The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting held at the Irrigation Building in Pune to assess water storage in reservoirs under the Krishna and Godavari basins and review the monsoon situation.

Senior officials from the Water Resources Department, including representatives of the Krishna Valley Development Corporation and Godavari Irrigation Development Corporation, attended the meeting.