Chilly spell in Mumbai continues, expect colder days ahead

Mumbaikars continued to enjoy this season’s uncharacteristic cold spell on Wednesday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures dipping by 4°C and 2°C than normal, respectively.The Santa Cruz weather station reported a maximum temperature of 26.5°C, and a low of 14.2°C on the day (temperatures recorded at Santa Cruz are considered to be representative of the entire city). In Colaba, the mercury level peaked at 27.9°C and dropped to a minimum of 16.5°C.Relative humidity (RH), measured at 2.30pm in Santa Cruz, was 13%, and 22% in Colaba.Department officials reiterated that the weather was due to the cold front in northern India.“Western disturbances continue to pass from above North Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, where it has caused snowfalls. The cold waves coming from the Himalayas are the outcome of this snowfall,” said a senior official.“We normally take into consideration the minimum temperature for gauging whether a day was cold or not. But the maximum temperature recorded at Santa Cruz could be amongst the lowest of this winter,” he added.Moreover, he said, the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to fall by a further 2°C.Sameer Bhide, a Mulund resident, said his family was enjoying the season, which he thought was colder than the previous winter experienced at his residence close to the creek. “The ongoing season appears to be cooler. Even as the temperature drops, the cold spell seems to be prolonged, vis-a-vis last season. We are definitely enjoying it,” he said.