Days get hotter as weather fluctuates due to trough in Lakshadweep

Daytime temperatures have touched 34 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above normal for this period. Even the night temperatures have risen, although not steeply, to a comfortable 18 degrees Celsius.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), this rise in temperature can be attributed to a trough prevailing from the Lakshadweep area up to Tamil Nadu. The trough has also brought about an upper air cyclonic circulation above the area, as per the IMD website.

"The maximum temperatures have increased due to clear skies that facilitate good heating during the day. The winds in Mumbai are north-easterly, keeping the minimum temperatures normal. The difference between these temperatures is 15 degrees and will last till the trough remains," said KS Hosalikar, deputy director general of the IMD, Mumbai.

Despite the heat, met officials said that winter isn't officially over in the city. "Winter ends as March begins. If we experience a few western disturbances along with northerly winds, we can expect the temperatures to drop again," said Hosalikar.

Experts said that this has been the coldest decade for February, where temperatures have fallen to as low as 8.4 degrees in 2008 as well as below 10 degrees on various occasions.

The IMD forecasts a maximum temperature of 34 degrees and minimum of 18 degrees with clear skies for the next 48 hours.

Wednesday's weather
Santa Cruz: Maximum 34.2 degrees Celsius and minimum 18.4 degress Celsius, with 62% humidity

Colaba: Maximum 32.2 degrees Celsius and minimum 20.4 degress Celsius, with 66% humidity