Navigating the Heatwaves: Battle of Mumbai Against Rising Temperatures
Mumbai Heatwaves: While social media feeds are inundated with breathtaking images of Sonamarg, a winter wonderland scene in Jammu & Kashmir, Mumbai residents find themselves in the grips of envy, owing to a completely different reason – the unbearable heatwaves. While the snowy landscapes of Sonamarg seem like a visual treat, the soaring temperatures in Mumbai have left locals longing for a respite.
Temperatures during the day have been rapidly increasing across the country. On Monday, Mumbai witnessed a sudden rise in the mercury levels. The residents of Mumbai had to endure extreme heat, leading the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to release a heatwave warning for Mumbai and the adjacent Thane and Raigad districts.
A heatwave is currently hitting Mumbai and is expected to last until today. This is causing the maximum temperatures to rise to a scorching 38°C, which is five degrees above the seasonal average. However, there is some good news on the horizon as temperatures are expected to drop to a more tolerable 35°C by tomorrow.
Although the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted temperatures between 36 to 38°C, the Santacruz weather station reported a blazing 37.9°C on Monday. This reading represents a significant increase from the previous day’s temperature of 33.2°C. Some independent meteorologists have argued that the heatwave warnings were issued too late. They note that areas like Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan had already experienced temperatures above 40°C by Monday afternoon, before the official warning was released.
The heatwave is a result of a high-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, which has brought in hot easterly winds and limited air circulation. The heatwave is worsened by increased sunshine and a higher UV index.
Typically, Mumbai is sheltered from extreme heat due to its coastal location. However, meteorologists warn that some inland areas may not be as lucky. Abhijit Modak, an independent meteorologist, cautions that eastern suburbs such as Vikroli, Mulund, and Thane could experience temperatures rising to a scorching 40-42°C. The absence of weather monitoring stations in these areas means that the actual extent of the heatwave may remain unrecorded.
Schools are taking measures to protect students from the intense heat. All Saints High School in Thane district has started summer vacation early for grades 1 to 8. Meanwhile, Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Palghar district has shortened school hours to limit student exposure to the heat. This was reported by the Times of India.
As the sweltering heatwave continues to grip Mumbai, residents must take necessary precautions to combat the soaring temperatures. To stay cool and healthy, it is highly recommended to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids throughout the day. Additionally, it is wise to avoid any strenuous physical activities during the hottest parts of the day to prevent heatstroke and exhaustion. Furthermore, choosing loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing can help to minimize the absorption of heat and keep the body cool. By following these simple yet effective measures, residents can beat the heat and stay comfortable during the scorching summer months.
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