Mumbaikars have been experiencing warm weather almost all of August, with daytime temperatures hovering between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius. The city is not expected to get heavy rain at least for the next 10 days, according to private forecaster Skymet.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Hindu had reported on August 6 that Mumbai received its third-highest 24-hour rainfall (204 mm) for the month on August 5. However, soon after that, there has been no heavy rain for about 10-15 days now. The absence of rain clouds has also led to a rise in temperatures and humidity.
“I have stopped carrying an umbrella to work and instead, carry my scarf. It is quite hot these days, and people are back to sweating their way to work,” Harshali Pandey, a resident of Bhandup, said. On Friday morning, Mumbai recorded the maximum temperature of 31.6 degrees and the minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees, 1.5 degrees and 1 degree above normal respectively. Humidity stood at 87% in the morning and 67% in the evening. Temperatures have been more or less similar this month and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a similar weather for the next 48 hours.
Last year, August’s highest maximum temperature was at 31.7 degrees. The all-time record for the highest maximum temperature is at 33.5 degrees, which was registered on August 26, 1969.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the city received only 1.8 mm rain on Friday. The total rainfall for the city now stands at 2,510 mm, 743 mm above normal. July received maximum rainfall this monsoon.
The Hindu had reported earlier this month that Mumbai had already achieved its seasonal average rainfall of 2,317 mm. With a few more showers, the city will meet its ‘annual average rainfall’ target of 2,514 mm. Right now, the rainfall percentage stands at 99.86% of annual average.
However, people will continue to face the heat for 7 to 10 days. The IMD has forecast ‘very light to light rain’ till Sunday for Mumbai and the entire State. After Sunday, other parts of the State may get heavy showers but there is no such forecast for the city.
Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist of Skymet, said, “Right now, there is neither a low pressure area nor an offshore trough in Arabian Sea that would lead to conducive conditions for rainfall for Mumbai. We don’t expect rain in Mumbai for another 10 days except a few showers here and there. Since the monsoon surge has weakened, temperature has risen. Due to high humidity, Mumbaikars are experiencing discomfort.”