Mumbai: Colaba Records Hottest October Day In 13 Years At 37.4°C; IMD Scientist Reveals Reason Behind Temperature Spike

Mumbai witnessed an early October heatwave on Friday, with Colaba recording a scorching maximum temperature of 37.4°C. This was 5.6°C above the average for the month, marking the highest October temperature in the region since at least 2013. The observatory at Colaba also recorded a minimum temperature of 27.5°C, which was 2.2°C higher than normal. The previous record for October's maximum temperature at Colaba was 39.5°C, set on October 22, 1968.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the unusually high temperatures to changing weather patterns as the southwest monsoon withdrew from the city. A senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, IMD Mumbai, Sushma Nair, explained that wind patterns were shifting from westerlies to easterlies, which disrupted the setting of the sea breeze and delayed its onset over the city. Additionally, an anti-cyclone near Mumbai also contributed to the elevated temperatures.

While Colaba experienced the highest temperatures, other parts of the city and suburbs remained relatively cooler, with Santacruz recording a maximum of 36.9°C and a minimum of 25.7°C. The IMD forecasted that daytime temperatures would remain between 35°C and 37°C for the next two to three days. The city is expected to remain hot and humid on Saturday, with clear skies and a maximum temperature of around 35°C.

There is no rain forecasted for the coming week, maintaining an overall air quality index (AQI) in the moderate range.