08 March,2011 07:00 AM IST | | Urvashi Seth
With the mercury touching a scorching 38.3 degree Celsius yesterday, weather officials say the summer season has well and truly arrived.
"Such temperatures are normal for the beginning of summer. Yesterday was the hottest day of the season with the temperature shooting up by almost four degrees in one week.
Weather officials say it is time to send the woolens packing and get the umbrellas out for shade
Both heat and humidity levels are expected to rise further in the coming days," said an official from the Mumbai Meteorological (Met) department.
"February was marked by temperature fluctuations, but those days of pleasant weather have now ended," he added.
On February 28, the maximum temperature was 35.6 degree Celsius and the minimum was 19.2. A three-degree rise in temperature was recorded in 24 hours.
"The temperature has risen phenomenally within a week, leaving Mumbaikars sweaty and seeking shade. The sudden shift in the weather is due to the warm southeasterly winds hitting the city," the official said.
Levels
Santacruz recorded a maximum temperature of 38.3 degree Celsius and a minimum of 20.6. Colaba was marginally cooler with a high of 34.6 degree Celsius, but the minimum temperature was 23.8 degree Celsius.
"Humidity has not increased too much, though. It was at 50 per cent yesterday compared to 70 per cent on Sunday," he added.
