The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Maharashtra's Thane, Raigad districts and parts of Mumbai from April 27 to 29

IMD scientist Sushma Nair on Wednesday said there is an anti-cyclonic circulation over Thane, Raigad and parts of Mumbai which will lead to a rise in temperature

The temperatures are likely to peak on April 27 and 28

This is the second heatwave alert issued for Mumbai and neighbouring region this month

On April 15 and 16, Mumbai and its neighbouring areas had witnessed severe hot weather and temperatures in parts of Navi Mumbai reached 41 degrees Celsius

The IMD had advised people to avoid prolonged heat exposure, drink sufficient water and stay hydrated, wear light coloured, loose and cotton clothes, cover head or use wet cloth or hat or umbrella while going out during afternoon hours, and schedule strenuous jobs during cooler times of the day

Heatwaves are periods of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting for several days or even weeks

They can be caused by a variety of factors, including high atmospheric pressure systems, lack of cloud cover, and geographic location

Heatwaves can have serious health implications, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions