Mumbai: Heatwave predicted till Wednesday; city 'hotter' than Thar Desert
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai, with temperatures expected to rise until Wednesday. On Sunday, the city's Santa Cruz registered 39.4°C, the season's highest temperature, hotter than Rajasthan's Thar Desert. Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C the same day. Meanwhile, the IMD forecasted unusual summer temperatures in other parts, too, especially northeast, east, central, and northwest India.
Context
Why does this story matter?
According to the IMD, last March saw the highest temperatures in almost a century, with severe heatwave destroying crops and causing extensive power outages. Above-normal temperatures in February and March typically have an impact on crops, also affecting the government's efforts to control inflation. Warmer temperatures also cause an increase in electricity usage throughout the summer, putting a strain on the country's power grid.
Details
Mumbai's maximum temperature touches 40°C, more than Thar Desert
The highest temperature in Mumbai has lately been higher than what is recorded in Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan's Thar Desert, which has long been considered India's hottest place, Times Now reported. Last week's highest temperature in Mumbai was 39.3°C. In comparison, the current highest temperature in Sri Ganganagar is around 34-36°C. However, summer is yet to arrive fully in the city.
Twitter Post
Heatwave warning issued by RMC Mumbai
Forecast for next five days issued by Regional Meteorological Centre , Mumbai...
— Regional Meteorological Center,Mumbai (@RMC_Mumbai) March 12, 2023
प्रादेशिक हवामान केंद्र, मुंबई यांनी जारी केलेला पुढील पाच दिवसांचा अंदाज........ pic.twitter.com/Y962vSfNHW
Experts speak
What are reasons for unsual heatwaves?
According to IMD scientist Sushma Nair, the current heatwave is primarily caused by the presence of a strong easterly wind, which has been delaying the sea breeze and causing the temperature to rise and become more humid. Mumbai has been under a heatwave warning for the past three days, and the IMD predicted that the heatwave conditions would likely persist.
Other parts
IMD forecast of unusual temperature in other parts
Additionally, the IMD has predicted that most parts of northeast India, east and central regions, and some parts of northwest India would witness above-normal maximum temperatures between March to May. "Monthly maximum temperatures for March are likely to be above normal over most parts of the country except peninsular India," the IMD said in a statement earlier this month.