The cold is here to stay

Keep those woollens on, for IMD officials say temperatures are likely to continue to hover close to 15C thanks to the icy northerlies

THERE'S good news for those enjoying the nip in the air.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials say temperatures are unlikely to deviate too much from Sunday when the mercury dipped to 14C the lowest this season.



They blame the dip on chilly northerly winds blowing towards Maharashtra at great speed and forming a pool of cold air.
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"When the northerlies reach the coastal areas in the city, warm winds mix with them and make them warmer.
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However, the cold winds are so strong this time that the warm coastal winds aren't sufficient to cause a rise in their temperature," said Dr R V Sharma, deputy director, IMD-western region.

Officials said the minimum temperature this week would be close to 15C in Santacruz and 17C in Colaba. The maximum temperature is expected to hover close to 31 and 32C respectively.

Dr Sharma said these predictions will hold true for the next 48 hours as well. "There is no change in wind patterns.

However, there is nothing to be worried about as the weather is pleasant and Mumbaikars should enjoy it," he added.

Dipping Mercury
Lowest temperatures yesterday:
Mumbai: 14.8C
Nashik: 6C
Parbhani: 7C
Wardha: 5C