Heatwave alert in Mumbai, Thane and Konkan today: Yellow warning issued

The India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai Thane and its neighbouring areas on February 25 and 26 due to the rising temperaturesA yellow warning has been issued for heatwave in Mumbai Thane district and Raigad and Ratnagiri districts in the Konkan region of Maharashtra as the highest temperatures are expected to reach 3738 degree Celsius on Tuesday and WednesdayThe IMD said heatwave condition is likely over isolated pockets of Palghar and Sindhudurg on February 26According to the IMD the high temperatures are likely to continue till March 2 IMDrsquos 24hour forecast predicts day temperature to rise to around 38degC on Wednesday with no respite from the heat expected for Mumbai and its adjoining areasAt 384 degrees the IMD Santacruzs maximum temperature was 64 degrees above normalMeanwhile the IMDrsquos coastal observatory at Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 368 degrees on Monday which was also 62 degrees above normalWhy is Mumbai unusually hot this FebruarySunil Kamble the director of India Meteorological Department Mumbai said easterly winds are blowing until around noon following which the wind direction is changing to northwesterly which is leading to a rise in temperatures during the dayGenerally we expect northerly winds in February but we are getting the easterly winds till 12pm Thats why afternoon temperature is increasing and in the night we are getting northwesterly winds Thats why in the morning also we are getting the temperature at the lower side So this is the fluctuation we are seeing in February Kamble told middaycomKamble also informed about the absence of western disturbances that bring rain in February The western disturbances meaning whenever any weather phenomena is coming from the western side and that impacts the northern part of India and if it gives a very good snowfall there or very good rainfall activity then we get the northerly winds and temperature falls but that type of situation we are not getting now Thats why we are at the higher side in February in maximum temperature he explainedWill Mumbais scorching temperatures worsen in MarchIn March IMD predicts temperatures to soar further by one or two degrees Global temperatures are already increasing and the impact is that we are seeing higher temperature every month I mean we have accepted that globe temperature has increased by one degree so every month the seasonal patterns are changing and we are getting the temperature at the higher side by one or two degree in every month he addedKamble advises Avoid going out between 12pm3pm at least so that the impact can be reduced You can do whatever is required after 4pm so that that the impact will not be on youPrecautionary measures should be taken during this time to stay safeAction suggested Avoid prolonged heat exposure Stay hydrated Drink sufficient water even if not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration Wear light weight light coloured loose cotton clothes Cover your head use a wet cloth hat or umbrella while going out during peak hours Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours Schedule strenuous jobs to cooler times of the day Increasing the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities Recognise the signs of heat stroke heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness dizziness headache nausea sweating and seizures If you feel faint or ill see a doctor hospital immediately Farmers are advised to continue irrigation activities