Heatwave alert as Feb hits 38.4°C after 5 yrs

Mumbai: The regional meteorological department issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai for Feb 25-26 as the city recorded a five-year high for the month at 38.4°C on Monday. The last time Mumbai hit 38.4°C in Feb was on Feb 28, 2020. It was the first heatwave warning for the year.
For the month of Feb, Mumbai's all-time highest recorded day temperature at Santacruz observatory was 39.6 degrees on Feb 25, 1966.
At 38.4 degrees, the IMD Santacruz's maximum temperature was 6.4 degrees above normal, while in the case of IMD Colaba, which recorded 36.8 degrees, it was 6.2 degrees above normal. A heatwave warning was also issued for Thane and Raigad.
In its forecast for the next 24 hours, the IMD stated that day temperatures are likely to be 37 degrees and 22 degrees, indicating that there isn't any relief in store from the scorching heat for citizens of city and adjoining areas.
Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD Mumbai, said the delayed sea breeze was causing the heat. "The heat has been in isolated pockets owing to the delayed sea breeze and strong easterly winds. Apart from it, the anticyclone at the mid-level wasn't allowing the air to rise," she said.
IMD declares a heatwave when maximum temperatures cross 37°C, and the departure is 4.5 above normal.