Weather updates 2026: Mumbai, Thane and neighbouring districts have fallen prey to a severe spell of early summer heat, as the mercury shot up to 40°C. Owing to the same, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a yellow alert for both the cities and the neighbouring districts till March 11, 2026.
Limited cloud cover drives rise in mercury
As per IMD officials, isolated pockets of the North Konkan belt and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region will likely experience heatwave to severe heatwave conditions. They added that clear skies and limited cloud cover have driven the rise in mercury, pushing daytime temperatures far above the seasonal average. Additionally, the weather department has sounded alert regarding persistently warm nights, which are contributing to the increasing discomfort levels in coastal areas.
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IMD logo[/caption]
‘Early arrival of heatwave is unusual’: IMD
The IMD officials underscored that the early arrival of the heatwave is unusual and is expected to persist through mid-week. Notably, the high humidity levels in the city have also raised the heat index, turning conditions hotter than the actual temperature. The city’s residents, commuters and office-goers have already begun to feel the impact. They reported oppressive midday heat and warmer-than-usual mornings. Many of them also felt that air conditioners and cooling systems have become essential, even during the early hours of the day.
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BMC ramps up heat-relief measures
In light of the weather conditions, officials from the Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika (BMC) have launched efforts to ramp up heat-relief measures, such as setting up drinking water facilities in busy public areas. They have also urged the schools and workplaces to adjust schedules to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. Forecasters believe that the conditions are expected to ease by Thursday, depending on changing wind patterns and possible cloud cover.