Why is Mumbai seeing a record-breaking heatwave? Madhya Pradesh has the answer

Mumbai has been enduring a scorching heatwave since October commenced, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees. This extreme weather has led the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to classify Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar as a heatwave-affected region. What sets this October heatwave apart is that it is the hottest October day since 2015, when the city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees on October 17. Prior to this, Mumbai had only reached 38 degrees in October in 2018.

The surge in temperatures can be attributed to a combination of factors. Meteorologists have pointed to an anticyclonic system over southwest Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat as a significant contributor. This system has generated clockwise winds from the northwesterly and westward directions, which are dry and warm. As these winds blow from the north, they reduce the influx of the cooling sea breeze, further elevating the city's temperature.

The lack of cloud cover also intensifies the heat, making it feel more direct, according to Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather Services.

The early onset of October heat in Mumbai this year can be linked to the premature withdrawal of the monsoon, which typically occurs between October 10 and 11. However, this year, the monsoon withdrew as early as October 3, exposing the city to an early heatwave. Additionally, the impact of a powerful El Niño weather pattern may also be playing a role in the early and intense heatwave experienced in Mumbai this year.