Email
Print
ShareMumbai: Here's some good news, for those praying for a respite from the October heat. The weather bureau predicts that the temperature will significantly cool down towards the first week of November. By mid-November, perhaps winter will make an appearance, say weather officials.
"There will be a noticeable change in temperature when the city gets sea breeze from the westerly direction," said a weather department official.
For now, Mumbaikars will have to beat the scorching October heat, which the weather bureau maintains is "normal temperature for the month of October".
However, the fact remains that the weather bureau has recorded a departure of 3°C from the normal temperature. On Sunday, the maximum temperature recorded in the city was 35.7°C, three degrees higher than usual, while the minimum was 18.7°C, three degrees lower than usual.
While last week, the city recorded a maximum daytime temperature ranging from 35°C to 37°C, the temperature has come down a bit in the past few days, said weather bureau officials. Dr RV Sharma, deputy director general, Regional Met Centre, Colaba.
"The heat peaks in the months of May and June, and post monsoon, once again in October. The heat in October will be less than what is recorded in summer. Nevertheless, temperature in the vicinity of 35°C is not unusual for the month of October," said Dr Sharma.
The difference in day time and night time temperature could be the reason behind the recent rise in cases of illnesses in the city, said doctors.
"Sudden fluctuations in the temperature in the same day are known to cause fatigue, exhaustion, uneasiness and lethargy and an immune system that is susceptible to viruses in the air," explained Dr Rajesh Bhatt, general practitioner.
"Post Diwali, there is usually a rise in respiratory illnesses as well. Apart from this, the city also sees a spate of seasonal flu, fever, viral infections, and a weak immune system easily succumbs to these viruses," said Dr SN Acharya, general practitioner.
"People who spend hours in the sun are more susceptible, when the temperature drops suddenly," said Dr Bhatt, advising people to avoid going out in the mid-day sun, especially between noon and 3 pm.
"Double your fluid intake,"said Dr Hemant Ramparia, adding that "staying hydrated is the only way to beat the heat".
