Mumbai’s February Heatwave: Why the City Has Been Sizzling

Mumbai, India: Mumbai has been experiencing an intense heatwave for the past four days, with temperatures soaring to 38.7°C on February 26, nearly six degrees above normal. The culprit behind this unseasonal heat is an anti-cyclone over Madhya Pradesh, pushing warm inland winds toward the west coast and delaying the cooling sea breeze.

Other coastal regions, including Ratnagiri, Dahanu, and Panaji (Goa), have also recorded abnormally high temperatures, with Panaji hitting 37.6°C. Experts attribute this unusual spike to one of the driest winters India has seen, with Maharashtra recording a 99% rainfall deficit between January 1 and February 26. Climate scientists warn that global warming is intensifying extreme weather events, making such heatwaves more frequent.

However, relief is on the way. From February 28, Mumbai’s maximum temperatures are expected to drop below 35°C, as westerly winds return to cool down the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has lifted its heatwave warning but continues to monitor weather conditions.