Mumbai braces for scorching summer as IMD issues Yellow Alert for extreme heat
Mumbai is preparing for a warm start to summer, with temperatures already rising. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for the city and nearby districts on March 4 and 5 due to scorching conditions. Forecasters warn that above-normal heat will persist across much of India in the coming months.
On Tuesday, Mumbai's air quality dropped to an AQI of 111, with several neighborhoods faring worse. Kandivali West recorded an AQI of 166, while Powai and Mulund West both stood at 155. Other areas like Deonar (146), BKC (136), and Chembur (128) also saw poor air quality, reflecting the city's seasonal pollution spike.
Over the next 48 hours, Mumbai's temperatures will fluctuate between a low of 22°C and a high of 37°C under mostly clear skies. The IMD predicts heatwave conditions will develop in April and May, extending across the metropolitan region. While no direct comparison exists for heatwave patterns from 2025, forecasts suggest an above-normal number of heatwave days for eastern and central India, as well as parts of the southeast Peninsula, through May 2026.
The IMD's latest outlook confirms that most of India will experience higher-than-usual temperatures from March onwards. Mumbai's early heat aligns with this broader trend, indicating an intense summer ahead for residents.
The Yellow Alert remains in place for Mumbai and surrounding areas until March 5. With heatwaves likely in April and May, authorities advise residents to take precautions against extreme heat. The city's air quality and rising temperatures will continue to be monitored closely in the coming weeks.
