Mumbai has been sizzling with extreme heat for the last 2 days with the mercury rising above 38°C. These temperatures are about 6°C above the normal and amount to heatwave conditions over the region. Even the suburbs are oppressed with scorching heat with record rise up to 40°C. Borivali measured 40.3°C and Chembur shade lower at 39.1°C. The entire Konkan region has been sweltering and soaring temperature extend up to Goa.
Santa Cruz has recorded 38.7°C, the highest of this season so far and 6°C above the average. Alibag measured 38.8°C and Goa slightly lower at 38.2°C. Such mercury levels call for heatwave conditions for the region and more so for the financial capital Mumbai. For the coastal stations, the criterion of the heatwave is temperature reaching 37°C and above normal by 4.5°C or more. As a rule, such conditions have to last at least for 2 days and the heatwave is declared on the 2nd day. However, for smaller pockets and major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, the heatwave can be announced even after one day of such records.
Heat over Mumbai and suburbs is a consequence of a change in the wind pattern. Land breeze without any component from the northern plains sweeping the region for extended duration results in parching conditions. Western disturbance is approaching North India on 28th March and will last for 48 hours. Presently the anticyclonic winds over Konkan and Gujarat region have been fanning hot winds and raising temperature beyond comfort levels. These conditions are likely to prevail for the next 3 days and relief expected thereafter.