Mumbaikars have been forced to rummage through their cupboards yet again to retrieve their sweaters and shawls because of the unexpected cold the last few days. The average temperature on Wednesday dropped to 14.7 degrees Celsius, which is around 4 degrees below normal and a degree lower than predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD officials indicate the nip in the air is a result of cold weather conditions in North India, and that temperatures may drop below what is predicted in the next 48 hours till Friday. IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 15 degrees for today and 16 degrees over 48 hours while daytime temperatures will be around 28 degrees Celsius.
"The western disturbance above Jammu and Kashmir has caused the temperature to drop in the north, which has transcended down to us because of the northerly winds in the city. The weather might stay the same over the next 48 hours after which it is likely to drop further," said KS Hosalikar.
Twenty-three-year-old Andheri resident Eshan Aggarwal said, "I had to use two blankets last night. The cold was unexpected. It was chilly even with the fan turned low."
Hosalikar explained that since February is the last winter month, it has often witnessed the lowest temperatures of the season. "In the past decade, the month of February has seen instances of temperatures dipping to even 8.4 degrees," said Hosalikar.
The winter rain and sudden warm climate in January and February were the highlights of this winter season. Reports state that winter and snowfall were delayed in the North, and were extremely severe when they did eventually arrive. Hosalikar said, "India has a tropical climate and with it comes variability. Even the rainfall keeps fluctuating by the year, thus we can always expect the patterns to change."
The IMD has predicted light rain showers in north Konkan but there is little or no chance of rain in Mumbai. The light rain shower is a result of an upper air cyclonic circulation over south Gujarat.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}