Mumbai faces third heatwave in two weeks as temperatures hit 38°C
Mumbai is bracing for another spell of extreme heat, with temperatures set to soar above 38°C on Friday. This marks the third heatwave warning in just two weeks for the city and its surrounding areas. The latest surge follows earlier spikes that pushed March temperatures to their highest in years.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its third heatwave alert for Mumbai and nearby districts in the past fortnight. The first two warnings came between March 4–5 and March 9–10, with the city recording 40°C on March 10—the hottest March day since 2021.
The latest heatwave, expected from March 13–14, will see maximum temperatures reach 38°C on Friday before easing slightly to 37°C on Saturday. Forecasters attribute the spike to a new anti-cyclone system forming over the Arabian Sea. This system is pulling warm, dry winds from Gujarat, further raising temperatures.
Relief is on the way, however. From March 15, temperatures are predicted to drop, settling around 33°C. While March often brings above-normal heat to Mumbai, historical records show the hottest March day ever was 41.9°C in 1953.
The current heatwave adds to a pattern of rising March temperatures in recent years. After peaking this weekend, conditions will cool slightly from next week. Residents are advised to take precautions as the city navigates its third bout of extreme heat this month.
