Mumbai, suburbs record alarming temperature variations, reveals study

A study by climatetech startup Respirer Living Sciences has revealed alarming temperature variations of up to 13 degrees Celsius across different parts of Mumbai and its satellite towns in March highlighting the growing impact of the Urban Heat Island UHI effectAs per PTI the analysis found that microclimate zones are increasingly emerging in the city emphasising the need for a localised approach to managing heat stressBetween March 1 and 22 Vasai West and Ghatkopar recorded average temperatures of 335 degrees Celsius and 333 degrees Celsius respectively while Powaimdashknown for its greenery and lower building densitymdashwas significantly cooler at 204 degrees CelsiusThis represents a striking 131 degrees Celsius difference within the same city it saidUHI refers to the significant temperature difference between densely built urban zones and less developed or greener parts of a cityHeatretaining infrastructure such as concrete buildings and roads lack of vegetation and localised pollution levels primarily drive this differenceIncreasingly we are witnessing the formation of microclimate zones within cities like Mumbai said Ronak Sutaria founder and CEO of Respirer Living Sciences reported PTIHe said these temperature differences are not just academic They translate into higher heat stress and related health problems for residents especially in poorly ventilated or overbuilt neighbourhoodsAccording to data from 22 Central Pollution Control Board CPCB stations Vasai West topped the list with an average temperature of 335 degrees Celsius followed closely by Ghatkopar at 333 degrees Celsius and Colaba south Mumbai at 324 degrees CelsiusIn stark contrast Powai recorded a much cooler average of 204 degrees Celsius while Chakala Andheri east was at 234 degrees Celsius and Chembur at 255 degrees CelsiusThe study stated that the temperature differences across the city showed that while 131 degrees Celsius gap was seen between Vasai West and Powai Colaba registered 324 degrees Celsius compared to 234 degrees Celsius in Chakala an urban heat difference of 90 degrees CelsiusGhatkopar at 333 degrees Celsius was 78 degrees Celsius warmer than Chembur which averaged 255 degrees Celsius it saidSutaria stated Microclimates are forming within Mumbai and the data makes this undeniable Its not just about summer getting hotter Its about some neighbourhoods facing disproportionate heat stress This impacts everything from public health and energy demand to urban planning and equity reported PTIInterestingly even Colaba on Mumbais southern tip known for its coastal breezes now appears on the warmer end of the spectrum underscoring that even socalled cool zones are not immune to rising heat levels the study saidStressing the need for zonespecific heat forecasting Sutaria said We cannot treat Mumbai as a single thermal unit Our mitigation efforts from tree plantation drives to heat action plans must be customised based on hyperlocal data Green infrastructure reflective surfaces and responsible architectural choices are all part of the solution to create healthy citiesIn March 2025 Mumbai faced multiple heatwaves or heatwavelike events highlighting the growing intensity of extreme heat conditionsThe India Meteorological Department IMD issued official heatwave warnings in the first half of the month particularly between March 6 and 11 as temperatures soared close to 40 degrees CelsiusA combination of strong easterly winds and delayed sea breeze caused by an anticyclone system led to unusually high daytime temperatures especially on March 9 and 10 when the mercury hovered around 37 degrees CelsiusA fresh temperature spike followed from March 15 with forecasts predicting a further 2 to 4 degrees Celsius increase and warnings were issued for March 18Episodes of sustained heat stress before the official start of summer highlight the urgency of addressing UHI effects and enhancing localised heat preparedness in Mumbai signalling that heat stress is becoming more complex and uneven Sutaria informed reported PTIWith PTI inputs