Mumbai Heatwave Alert: Rising Temperatures, Climate Impact & Safety Measures

KKN Gurugram  Desk | Mumbai is set to experience yet another heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a warning for March 9 to 11 in isolated areas of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad. This comes just two weeks after the city faced record-breaking temperatures, signaling a worrying trend of increasing heatwaves in Mumbai.

As per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Lab projections, by 2040, 60% of the year in Mumbai will consist of high heat days. With temperatures set to exceed 38°C over the weekend, let’s explore the reasons behind this heat spike, its long-term impact on the city, and safety precautions to stay protected.

Why is Mumbai Experiencing Such High Temperatures?

Mumbai is currently transitioning into summer, yet temperatures are already soaring beyond normal levels. On Friday, March 8, Mumbai’s Santacruz and Colaba weather stations recorded nearly 35°C. A heatwave is declared in Mumbai when:

✔ Daytime temperatures exceed 37°C in both observatories.
✔ Temperatures rise 4-5°C above the normal range for at least two consecutive days.

The city witnessed its first heatwave of 2025 last month, when temperatures stayed above 37°C for four straight days.

What’s Causing the Sudden Temperature Rise?

Experts attribute Mumbai’s rising temperatures to an anticyclone system forming over the region.

According to IMD scientist Nitha Sasidharan, this system brings strong easterly winds from India’s interior regions, delaying the westerly sea breeze. Since the sea breeze normally helps regulate Mumbai’s coastal temperature, this delay leads to a sharp rise of 4-5°C above normal levels.

Such temperature spikes in March are not uncommon. IMD data shows:

📌 March 2024 – Highest temperature: 38.8°C
📌 March 2023 – Highest temperature: 39.4°C
📌 March 2022 – Highest temperature: 39.6°C
📌 March 2021 – Highest temperature: 40.9°C

The increasing frequency of extreme temperature events highlights a clear warming trend in Mumbai.

Heatwaves in Mumbai: The New Normal?

The Mumbai Climate Action Plan (2022) analyzed IMD data from 1973-2020 and found:

🔹 Between 1973 and 2020, Mumbai recorded 12 heatwave events.
🔹 In the past five decades, the city’s temperature has increased by 0.25°C per decade.
🔹 By 2040, 60% of the year will be categorized as high heat days.

What qualifies as a High Heat Day?
🌡️ A day when the maximum temperature reaches 32°C or more.

Experts, including Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather, emphasize that global warming and climate change are driving frequent and intense heatwaves. The rise in greenhouse gases has accelerated heating trends, not just in summer but also in winter. This year, cold waves were significantly fewer in northern India, further indicating climate shifts.

How to Stay Safe During a Heatwave?

Since heatwaves bring prolonged periods of extreme heat and high humidity, they pose severe health risks, including:

🔥 Heatstroke – A dangerous condition where the body overheats rapidly.
💦 Dehydration – Loss of fluids leading to dizziness and weakness.
🌡️ Heat exhaustion – Fatigue due to excessive exposure to high temperatures.

According to IMD’s yellow heatwave alert, while most people can tolerate the current heat, vulnerable groups such as infants, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illnesses must take extra precautions.

Health Expert Recommendations:

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Mohan Joshi (Dean, Sion Hospital) advises:
✔ Avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 11 AM – 4 PM.
✔ Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
✔ Children and elderly people should avoid excessive heat exposure, as it may lead to heatstroke, viral fever, and even kidney stones.

IMD’s Heatwave Advisory:

✔ Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose cotton clothes.
✔ Cover your head with a cloth, hat, or umbrella while outdoors.
✔ Limit outdoor physical activities during peak heat hours.
✔ Use ORS or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
✔ Stay in well-ventilated or air-conditioned areas whenever possible.

Ignoring these precautions can result in severe health issues, especially for those with existing medical conditions.

What’s Next for Mumbai’s Climate?

With temperatures rising faster than ever, Mumbai faces serious long-term climate challenges. Urbanization, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation have weakened the city’s natural heat regulation mechanisms.

Expected Climate Changes by 2040:

🌡️ Longer summers with extreme heat events.
☀️ Shorter and less intense winters.
🏙️ Increase in heat-trapping urban areas (Urban Heat Islands).
🏭 Higher air pollution worsening climate-related illnesses.

Experts call for immediate climate action, sustainable urban planning, and stricter pollution control measures to combat Mumbai’s increasing heatwaves.

📌 Mumbai is experiencing a dangerous rise in heatwaves due to climate change, urbanization, and delayed sea breezes.
📌 The city’s temperature has been steadily increasing for the past five decades.
📌 By 2040, 60% of the year will be categorized as high heat days.
📌 Heatwaves are becoming the new normal, and urgent climate action is needed.

While individual precautions can help mitigate short-term risks, policy-driven actions are crucial to ensure Mumbai’s long-term climate resilience.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe from extreme heat conditions! 🌞🔥