City sizzles as mercury hits 39.3°C; IMD issues yellow alert

The IMD’s Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, which was 2.2 degrees above normal, while Colaba stayed at a normal 33.7°C

Mumbai: A hot and humid Saturday saw parts of the city touch nearly 40°C, with Vikhroli recording 39.3°C as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the city under a yellow alert.

City sizzles as mercury hits 39.3°C; IMD issues yellow alert

Other areas also recorded high temperatures, with Ram Mandir at 38.5°C, Bandra at 37.2°C and Vidyavihar at 36.1°C. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Thane Belapur Industries Association logged 39°C.

The IMD’s Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, which was 2.2 degrees above normal, while Colaba stayed at a normal 33.7°C. Night temperatures remained typical for this time of year at 25°C and 26°C, respectively.

“Hot and humid conditions in the city are as result of northerly winds blowing from the north in the lower levels advecting hot air over the region, and a mid level anticyclonic circulation that is suppressing the air. A relatively cloud free sky also contributed to Saturday’s weather conditions,” said Sushma Nair, senior scientist, IMD Mumbai.

The IMD has forecast continued hot and humid conditions, with maximum temperatures likely to hit 36°C and minimum temperatures near 25°C.