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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted ‘severe heatwave’ conditions for Mumbai in isolated pockets on Monday and ‘heatwave conditions’ for Tuesday.

Coupled with very low wind speed, which was just 7.4 kmph on Monday afternoon, and low humidity throughout the day, ranging between 18 per cent and 34 per cent, Mumbaikars experienced hot and dry weather yesterday. In comparison, the temperature is likely to reach 37 degrees C today.

The IMD predicted similar heatwave conditions for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, for both Monday and Tuesday.

Crows quench their thirst with water accumulated on a footpath in Mumbai. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Throughout this week, Mumbai has experienced a climate ranging between hot and humid and hot and dry, with severe temperatures recorded between noon and 3 pm. Monday’s maximum temperatures of 38.4 degrees C, as per the Santacruz observatory, were reported during the peak afternoon hours between noon and 1.30 pm, according to IMD data.

Expert Speak

According to an expert formerly associated with the IMD, low wind speed and low humidity result in people feeling the heat more. “Humidity makes heat bearable, and windy weather brings a breeze, preventing perspiration. Humidity causes people to sweat, mitigating the side effects of extreme atmospheric heat. Without this, side effects of hot temperatures are felt to greater degree,” expert said.

Street dogs cool themselves down in the Arabian Sea off Carter Road in Bandra West. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

Monday’s figures

Maximum temperature (Santacruz observatory): 38.4°C
Wind speed: 7.4 kmph to 29 kmph
Humidity: 18% to 34% (low)
Warning: Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated pockets

Imd predictions

March 9
Temperature: 39°C
Warning: Heatwave

March 10
Temp: 37°C
Warning: Heatwave

March 11
Temperature: 34°C
Warning: None, mainly clear sky

March 12
Temperature: 34°C
Warning: None, mainly clear sky

March 13
Temperature: 35°C
Warning: None, mainly clear sky

March 14
Temperature: 36°C
Warning: None, mainly clear sky

March 15
Temperature: 35°C
Warning: None, mainly clear sky

March Data

Maximum temperatures over the past few days
March 9: 38.4°C
March 8: 33°C
March 7: 33°C
March 6: 34.6°C
March 5: 38.9°C
March 4: 38.7°C
March 3: 33.7°C

How to deal with heatwave

Dos
>> Drink sufficient water, as often as possible, even if not thirsty
>> Consume oral rehydration solution, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk
>> Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose cotton clothes
>> If you feel dizzy or nauseous, see a doctor immediately
>> Employers must ensure that labourers do not work outside between noon and 3 pm

Don’ts
>> Avoid going out between 12 noon and 3 pm
>> Do not go out barefoot or without a face and head cover
>> Avoid cooking during peak hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate cooking area adequately
>> Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body
>> Avoid high-protein, spicy, and oily food. Do not eat stale food
(According to National Disaster Management Authority)