Mumbai Experiences Hottest August Day Since 1969 Amid Intense Heatwave
Mumbai, 23rd August 2024: Mumbai is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels for August. On Wednesday, the city saw the mercury climb to 33.7°C, making it the hottest August day since 1969. The Santacruz observatory also recorded a peak temperature of 33.6°C on August 18, the second-highest for the month. Previously, the August record stood at 33.5°C, set on August 3, 2020, and August 26, 1969.
In the span between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the Santacruz observatory registered just 3.4 mm of rainfall, while the Colaba observatory reported none. Despite the limited rainfall, Mumbai’s cumulative rainfall since the monsoon began in June has reached 2,252 mm, with August contributing 202 mm, making it the second rainiest month of the year so far.
Relief may soon be on the way, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a return of heavy rains in the upcoming days, which could help ease the city’s heatwave. A low-pressure system over the east-central Arabian Sea, near the Maharashtra coast, is expected to weaken over the next 12 hours.
The IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall across central India, including the Konkan-Goa region, Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Scattered showers are expected to continue throughout the week in Marathwada. Additionally, isolated heavy rain is anticipated in Konkan-Goa for the next seven days and in Madhya Maharashtra from August 23 to 26. Vidarbha and Marathwada may also experience isolated heavy rainfall on August 24-25.
Furthermore, the IMD has issued warnings of isolated very heavy rainfall in Konkan-Goa between August 23-26 and in Madhya Maharashtra from August 24-26, placing these regions under an orange alert during this period.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s water supply situation remains stable. The city’s seven lakes, which supply its daily water needs, are currently at 94.69 % of their total capacity, holding approximately 13.7 lakh million litres. This is a significant improvement from the same time last year when lake levels were at 84 %.
