Unseasonal Heatwave Grips Pune, Mumbai, and Konkan: IMD Issues Alert Till February 28
Pune and Mumbai, along with coastal districts of Maharashtra, are reeling under unseasonal heatwave-like conditions as temperatures soar well above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Konkan, including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, until February 28.
Soaring Temperatures Across Maharashtra
Since February 24, temperatures have been rising steadily across Maharashtra. Pune recorded a maximum temperature of 35°C on February 24, which is 2.5°C higher than normal, while the minimum temperature also remained elevated at 14.4°C, exceeding the usual by 1.9°C. On February 25, similar trends continued, making the weather unusually warm for this time of the year.
Mumbai and its suburbs are experiencing even more intense heat. Santacruz recorded the highest temperature in the state on February 25 at 38.7°C, exceeding the normal by 6.3°C. Ratnagiri, too, saw a sharp rise, hitting 38.9°C on February 24, a staggering 7.7°C above normal.
The Konkan region has been particularly affected, with Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg facing heatwave-like conditions. IMD data indicates that Santacruz, one of Mumbai’s prime weather stations, registered 38.4°C on February 24, which is 7.1°C above normal.
Why Is It So Hot?
According to meteorologists, the absence of cool northern winds and an approaching western disturbance in the Himalayas are the key reasons behind this unusual heat. Additionally, moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea is causing increased humidity, making the weather even more uncomfortable.
Anupam Kashyapi, former head of IMD Pune’s weather and forecasting division, explained that northern Maharashtra might see cloudy conditions on February 26 and 27, providing slight relief. However, the heatwave is expected to persist in Konkan until February 28, with Mumbai and Pune also experiencing high day temperatures.
IMD’s Heatwave Warning: Stay Hydrated!
With the ongoing heatwave, IMD has advised residents to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours. The maximum temperature in Mumbai is expected to remain around 37°C, while the minimum will be about 22°C over the next 24 hours.
Inland Maharashtra, including Pune and Vidarbha, may witness a further 1-2°C rise in temperatures over the next three to four days. Senior meteorologist S.D. Sanap from IMD Pune has stated that dry weather conditions will prevail, with no major weather systems active in Maharashtra currently.
What’s Next?
Though the heatwave is expected to abate slightly after February 26 due to increased cloud cover, the overall temperature trend suggests that February 2025 is turning out to be one of the warmest in recent years. Konkan, including coastal Karnataka and Gujarat, will also see hot and humid conditions in the coming days.
For now, residents of Pune, Mumbai, and Konkan should brace for a few more days of unusually high temperatures, ensuring they take necessary precautions to beat the heat.
