For the third consecutive day, heatwave-like conditions gripped the city, with temperatures soaring to 38.4°C — 5.6 degrees above normal, as recorded by the IMD Santacruz observatory. The Colaba observatory, meanwhile, recorded daytime temperatures of 34.9°C, which was 3.9 degrees above normal, with humidity levels at 59% and 44%, respectively.
The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai and nearby regions, predicting hot and dry weather for Palghar and Raigad, while Thane is likely to experience humid conditions in isolated pockets. On March 1, maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 36 degrees and 21 degrees, respectively. Experts say the city’s early encounter with extreme heat this year signals a premature onset of summer.
Mahesh Palawat, VP-Meteorology at Skymet Weather, said the heatwave’s early arrival is due to one of the driest winter seasons. Lack of weather systems and inland winds delayed sea breeze, while prolonged land breeze caused a significant rise in temperatures across the region.
Special Cell Set Up at Kalwa Hospital
In response, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has set up a special heat stroke cell at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa to provide immediate treatment. The administration has advised people experiencing symptoms like fever, dizziness, or nausea to contact the nearest municipal health centre without delay.
On Thursday, Thane recorded a maximum temperature of 37.08°C at 2:15 pm, while the minimum temperature was 26°C at 7:45 am. The administration has urged residents to take proper care of their health during the scorching heat.
Civic health advisory to Prevent Heat Stroke
- Stay hydrated. Take water, lemon water, kokum juice, buttermilk with the right amount of salt and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid drinking tea, coffee, alcohol, sugary drinks and high-protein diets.
- Wear loose, cotton, and light-coloured clothes and use a hat or umbrella while stepping out in the sun.
- Pregnant women, outdoor workers, children, and people with health issues should be extra cautious.
- Watch out for symptoms such as rashes, swelling of limbs, muscle cramps, fever, yellowish urine, weakness and fainting.
- Avoid going out between 12 pm and 3 pm.
- Prefer outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
- Elderly and sick individuals are advised not to stay alone and to keep their homes cool.
Authority has urged all residents to follow these guidelines to stay safe and healthy during the heatwave.