Traffic police personnel takes a water break on a hot day at CSMT, Mumbai.
(SL Shanth Kumar/BCCL Mumbai)
Friday, October 13: In Mumbai, October ushers in a peculiar weather shift, marking the transition from monsoon to winter. While Mumbaikars are no strangers to this ‘second summer’, the onset of what locals call ‘October heat’ has been particularly intense this year. After the southwest monsoon graciously bowed out of the city on October 6, a swift return of hot and dry weather has Mumbaikars sweltering, coughing and more.
Throughout this week, the mercury levels have been consistently high, with maximum temperatures dancing between 34-36°C. This surge in heat is more than 2°C above Mumbai’s typical average of 32.7°C for this time of the year.
The culprit behind this warmth is the arrival of easterly winds, ushering in dry air that’s keeping the heat locked in. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime highs of 34-36°C are predicted to persist throughout the weekend.
Any respite is unlikely until the start of next week, when the maximum temperatures may finally stabilise around 33°C, per the IMD’s early projections.
While the city bakes in this heat, the air quality has remained relatively steady, clocking in at a ‘moderate’ 111 on the air quality index (AQI) today. No major fluctuations in the AQI are expected for the next three days, providing a silver lining amidst the rising temperatures.
Unfortunately, the sweltering conditions have triggered a spike in cases of viral fever, dehydration, giddiness and heat stroke across the city. Civic, state and private hospitals have all reported an upswing in the number of people seeking treatment over the past week.
Extreme heat can create ideal conditions for viruses to thrive, while simultaneously weakening the body’s immune response. This makes people more susceptible to fevers, colds and other viral infections.
As Mumbai navigates these uncomfortable weather patterns, the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ certainly holds true. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight and limit outdoor activities during the noon and afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary.
For those unavoidable outings, don’t forget your sunscreen, protective headgear and umbrellas. Keeping wet wipes on hand can offer a refreshing break from the heat. Hydration is key, so along with water, consider sipping on fruit juices, coconut water and buttermilk, as they offer a rich supply of essential vitamins and minerals.
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