The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), in its summer 2025 outlook, has forecast above-normal temperatures from March to May. Specifically, Mumbai is dealing with its own set of difficulties.
The city has witnessed unusually high temperatures even during winter months, with January being the third hottest month. Climate change and prevailing conditions are attributed to these temperature shifts.
IMD Mumbai Director Sunil Kamble noted that climate change has caused a rise in temperature by one or two degrees, impacting the region. Mumbai is expected to see temperatures one or two degrees higher than usual this summer.
Speaking with the Free Press Journal, Kamble said, “Everyone has accepted climate change and the rise in temperatures by one or two degrees globally. These climatic conditions have an impact on our region too and Mumbai is most likely to have one or two degrees above normal temperatures in the summer.”
The lack of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir has also led to an absence of western winds, causing the minimum temperature in Mumbai to remain high. “Additionally, the region did not receive westerly winds as expected in the winter due to less snowfall in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Because of this, the minimum temperature in Mumbai did not fall as expected, resulting in the rise in mercury,” he added.
According to Kamble, AQI is affected by changes in wind patterns and increased construction activity during the monsoon. “The calmer winds in winter do not allow dust particles to settle down and remain suspended mid-air for a longer time. As the winds get stronger, the AQI in the city increases,” Kamble said.
The IMD has issued a heatstroke advisory, recommending health precautions, especially for senior citizens and children. To mitigate the effects of intense heat, the IMD has advised citizens to limit sun exposure, stay well-hydrated with water and fluids and wear loose cotton clothing.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Health Department has also issued an advisory warning residents of a hotter-than-usual summer, with temperatures expected to soar above normal levels from March to May. The advisory urges residents to take precautions as the temperature is expected to hit the 37-39 degrees Celsius band.
The advisory warns that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can mainly affect children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with pre-existing conditions.
#heatwave advisory bulletin -02.03.25: Heat Wave Conditions are very likely to prevail over the dists of Coastal Karnataka on 2nd & 3rd March and Hot & humid conditions on 4th & 5th March. #beattheheat #staysafe #stayhydrated #precautions #stayindoorsstaycool #Avoid12PMto3PM pic.twitter.com/vJXXLpp5dg
— Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (@KarnatakaSNDMC) March 2, 2025
As per the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, maximum temperatures in north interior Karnataka and coastal districts are expected to be above normal, while Bengaluru, south interior Karnataka and the Malnad region will be near normal.
The IMD has issued heatwave alerts in coastal Karnataka for March 2 and 3 while hot and humid conditions are predicted to persist on March 4 and 5.
The weather department predicted fairly widespread to widespread light or moderate rainfall or snowfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on March 4, also isolated to scattered light or moderate rainfall or snowfall over Uttarakhand on March 4.
Additionally, the IMD also added that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from March 9.
