മുംബൈയിൽ എട്ടു വർഷത്തിനിടയിലെ ഏറ്റവും ചൂടേറിയ ഒക്ടോബർ ദിനം; ഉഷ്ണതരംഗം പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ച് കാലാവസ്ഥാ നിരീക്ഷണ കേന്ദ്ര

The IMD has declared a heatwave in Mumbai, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts on Friday. Thane and Palghar are under a yellow warning for hot and humid conditions. In coastal districts such as Mumbai, a heatwave warning is issued when maximum temperatures remain 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal for a sustained period.

The IMD attributed the high temperatures to an anticyclonic circulation that has delayed the sea breeze, which usually brings relief to the city. “The prevalent anticyclonic circulation has delayed the influx of sea breeze, which plays a crucial role in cooling down the region. This has resulted in a spike in the temperatures,” Sushma Nair, a scientist at the IMD, told The Indian Express.

The absence of wind has also allowed pollutants to linger, worsening air quality. Mumbai’s overall air quality index (AQI) rose to 120 on Thursday from 91 on Wednesday, moving into the moderate category.

Under Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor and above 400 as severe.