Several areas in the city witness temperatures above normal due to heat wave in the south coast of Maharashtra
Mumbai’s weather has left its citizens confused, with the city experiencing significant variations in temperature over the last seven days. In a week, temperatures crossed 38 degrees Celsius twice, but also fell sharply in the middle of the week.
On Saturday, the maximum temperature recorded was 38.6 degrees Celsius, which was the second highest temperature recorded this month, after February 18, when the mercury had spiked to 38.8 degrees Celsius. In fact, on Saturday, the maximum temperature at Colaba was 35.7 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature recorded was 21.6 degrees Celsius, and Santacruz saw a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18.2 degree Celsius.
“The south coast of Maharashtra is experiencing a heat wave, due to which several locations including Vengurla and Ratnagiri are witnessing temperatures above normal. This is also impacting Mumbai, as the city is having strong easterly to north easterly,” said KS Hosalikar, Deputy Director General (western region), Meteorological Department, India.
He said that IMD has already issued warnings about the unusual heatwave and it is likely that temperatures will continue to be on the higher side for the next 48 hours.
In fact, another official from the Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, informed that the city also saw high temperature variations earlier this week, with maximum temperatures ranging between 30 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, which suddenly jumped to 38.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, hiking the level of discomfort.
Health issues
The drastic changes in weather have brought along spurts of illness. Fluctuations in temperature from hot to cool and hot again have led to an exacerbation of infections in the city. “Patients suffering from chronic asthma are in for more trouble. Chest allergies have also spiked. Changes in temperature lead to particulate matter getting trapped in the atmosphere, resulting in irritations in the lungs and other respiratory infections,” said Dr Altaf Patel, Head, Medicine, Jaslok Hospital.
Doctors suggest it is important to remain hydrated, and also advised to cover the head and drink enough fluids to maintain the electrolyte levels in the body.
“High temperatures coupled with low humidity can lead to heat strokes because the brain is usually unable to withstand very high temperatures. Blood pressure dips drastically to,” said Dr Aadil Chagla, Neurosurgeon, KEM Hospital.
Dr Pradip Shah, Senior physician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said that sudden onset of heat can attack people who are in direct exposure to sunlight. “Those who remain in open for a long time without covering their head or do not drink enough fluid, experience a dip in the electrolyte levels in the body,” he said.
Reducing Greencover
Environmentalist blamed the reducing green cover across Mumbai as another reason for Mumbaikars suffering from the unbearable heat.
“Several areas which had dense trees cover have seen rapid loss of trees, either due to felling of the trees, or due to pest infestation. Green covers help in reducing the urban heat effect, which is a resultant of concretisation,” said an environmentalist, adding that despite this, the government plans to destroy the green cover at Aarey colony and other such locations.
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