IMD Issues Heatwave Alert for Thane, Raigad, and Parts of Mumbai

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Thane, Raigad, and parts of Mumbai from April 27 to April 29, 2024. The temperatures are expected to peak on April 27 and 28 due to an anti-cyclonic circulation over the region.

According to IMD scientist Sushma Nair, the anti-cyclonic circulation will lead to a rise in temperature, with the maximum temperature reaching 38°C on April 28. The IMD has advised residents to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding prolonged heat exposure, drinking sufficient water, wearing light-colored and loose cotton clothes, and covering their heads while going out during the afternoon hours.

This is the second heatwave alert issued for the Mumbai and neighboring region this month. Earlier, on April 15 and 16, Mumbai and its neighboring areas had witnessed severe hot weather, with temperatures in parts of Navi Mumbai reaching 41 degrees Celsius.

Why this matters: The intense heatwave conditions pose risks to public health and well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations. The IMD's timely alerts and advisories help raise awareness and encourage people to take necessary precautions to cope with the scorching temperatures.

The IMD predicts a gradual temperature rise of 3-4 degrees Celsius over the next five days in the Konkan-Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada regions. The weather forecast indicates that the heatwave will persist, with the minimum temperature ranging from 25°C to 26°C and the maximum temperature reaching up to 39°C on April 29.

Despite the pleasant weather, the air quality in Mumbai remains in the satisfactory category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM10 particles at 79, according to SAFAR-India. The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for 11 districts in Maharashtra, with three districts - Washim, Yavatmal, and Chandrapur - recording temperatures as high as 40.6°C, 39.5°C, and 39.6°C respectively on Wednesday.

Key Takeaways

• IMD issues heatwave alert for Thane, Raigad, and parts of Mumbai from April 27-29, 2024.
• Temperatures expected to peak at 38°C on April 28 due to anti-cyclonic circulation.
• This is the second heatwave alert for the region this month, following severe hot weather in mid-April.
• Heatwave poses risks to public health, IMD advises precautions like avoiding heat exposure.
• IMD predicts gradual temperature rise of 3-4°C in Konkan-Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada regions.