The commercial capital Mumbai recorded 38.8°C as the maximum temperature on Thursday, which is 6 degrees above the normal average for the month. Similalry Ratnam saw the day temperature settle at 39°C, which is 7 degrees above normal. In adjoining Goa, the maximum temperature settled at 36.3°C, while Surat in Gujarat saw the day maximum record at 38°C.
The reason behind soaring temperatures in the region is the wind pattern, which at the moment is largely from the land. Low level winds from the land are warm and thus raise the temperatures in the region. The sea breeze that are cool in nature are setting in late and have failed to sustain for longer period of time.
However, a cyclonic circulation expected in Rajasthan and Gujarat will affect the weather along the west coast. The cool sea breeze will become dominant in the region, providing temporary relief from the soaring temperatures. Also, there are chances of rain in the region on March 14. The relief will be short-lived as the land breeze will again push up the temperatures.