We are going to enter the third week of December, but the minimums of Mumbai are still at about 20 degrees, which is above normal by 2 to 3 degrees. We do not expect temperatures to drop for at least the next 4 to 5 days.
A trough is developing from the Southeast Arabian Sea to North Konkan and Goa. Therefore, winds over Mumbai and adjoining areas will be blowing from the southeast direction. These inland winds will be warmer and hence will not allow the temperature to drop. Wind direction is expected to change briefly between December 18 and 20.
Relatively cooler winds from the northeast direction may commence during that period leading to a drop of 2 to 3 degrees. But this change will be short-lived, and temperatures will head north once again.
Persistent cold winds from the north direction are essential for temperatures to drop over west Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Another reason for the delay in winter chill can be attributed to the lesser amount of snowfall over the Western Himalayas. We have not seen any active or strong Western disturbance dumping snowfall over the hills until now. Chances of heavy snowfall over the Western Himalayas are ruled out for another 10 days.
Whenever there is widespread snowfall over the hills and icy cold winds travel up to central India and parts of South India, only then do day and night temperature drops. But this type of scenario is not expected anytime soon for Mumbai and adjoining areas must wait for winter chill.
