Mumbai Heatwave Alert: IMD Predicts Scorching Summer as J&K Snowfall Dips
Mumbai, March 04, 2025 – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm for Mumbai residents, forecasting a brutal summer ahead with above-average temperatures from March to May. The city, already sweating through an unusually warm winter, could face extreme heat, prompting officials to issue a heatstroke advisory as early as February.
IMD Mumbai Director Sunil Kamble revealed that January ranked as the city’s third-hottest on record, with February showing heatwave conditions. “Temperatures are rising by one or two degrees due to climate change,” Kamble said. He warned that this trend will intensify, making the upcoming months of May and June particularly tough. The IMD urges Mumbaikars to dust off their air conditioners and coolers now to brace for the heat.
The unusual warmth isn’t just a local issue. Experts point to below-normal snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir as a key factor. Typically, western winds from the snowy Himalayan region cool Mumbai during winter, but this year’s snow deficit has kept minimum temperatures high. “Without that cooling effect, the mercury is climbing,” an IMD official noted.
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Climate change is amplifying these shifts, creating erratic weather nationwide. While Delhi-NCR recently saw rainfall, Mumbai and other regions are baking under soaring heat. Meteorologists fear this signals worse to come, with Mumbai’s summer potentially hitting record highs.
The IMD’s heatstroke advisory highlights risks for vulnerable groups like seniors and children. “Limit sun exposure, drink plenty of water, and wear loose cotton clothes,” the agency advises. Hospitals in the city are also preparing for a spike in heat-related illnesses, a growing concern as urban heat islands trap warmth.
This forecast aligns with broader trends. India’s 2024 summer saw temperatures touch 50°C in parts of Rajasthan, and Mumbai’s coastal humidity could make this year’s heat feel even more oppressive. With no relief from northern snowfalls, the city’s 21 million residents face a challenging season ahead.
As the IMD tracks these patterns, it’s clear: Mumbai’s summer will test endurance. Residents are urged to stay proactive and safe as the heatwave looms.
