Mumbai's December heatwave: Temps jump after brief chill

India Dec 18, 2025

Mumbai just swapped its sweater weather for summer vibes, with Santacruz hitting 33.8°C and Colaba at 32.8°C—above the usual December highs.
Nights are warmer too, bouncing back after last week's cold dip below 15°C.

Why is it so hot?

IMD says expect more of this heat, with daytime temps staying around 33-34°C all week.
According to observer Athreya Shetty, a shift from northerly to easterly winds late Monday is behind the gradual warm-up.

Air quality takes a hit

The hotter weather isn't helping Mumbai's air. Chembur saw an AQI of 239 (poor), and citywide air got worse too.
To fight winter pollution, BMC handed out hundreds of notices to construction sites this month.
For context: Mumbai's hottest December ever was 39.8°C in 1987; coldest was just 10.6°C in 1949.