At 37.3°C, Mumbai records hottest December day in 16 years
What's the story
Mumbai experienced its hottest December day in 16 years on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 37.3 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the record-breaking heat, which was recorded by the Santacruz observatory that tracks suburban temperatures.
Meanwhile, the Colaba weather station in the island city recorded a high of 35 degrees Celsius.
Weather impact
Cyclone Fengal's remnants cause temperature spike in Mumbai
The IMD has attributed this sudden spike in temperature to the remnants of cyclone Fengal, which struck Tamil Nadu over the weekend.
Sushma Nair, a scientist at IMD's Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, said that "strong easterly winds over Mumbai delayed the onset of the sea breeze that modulates the city's temperature."
This weather phenomenon resulted in a citywide rise in temperatures.
Temperature rise
Nighttime temperatures also rise significantly in Mumbai
The city also witnessed a sharp rise in minimum temperatures at night.
The Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 25.5 degrees Celsius, which is 5.7 degrees above the normal mark.
In south Mumbai, the Colaba weather station recorded a low of 25.8 degrees Celsius, 3.8 degrees above normal.
Weather update
Light rains and moderate air quality amid heatwave
The IMD also observed light rainfall in parts of Mumbai and Maharashtra on Wednesday morning, attributing it to "moisture incursion" from cyclone Fengal.
Despite these conditions, the city's skies have remained cloudy since Tuesday.
The air quality index (AQI) in most parts of the city fell into the moderate category, with Ozone and PM2.5 identified as primary pollutants.
Weather forecast
High temperatures expected to persist for another day
Looking ahead, Nair said while high temperatures may continue for another day or two, they won't exceed 37 degrees Celsius.
"From tomorrow (Thursday), the strength of easterlies will be less, and wind patterns will begin changing," she said, predicting cooler weather after December 8.
Historically, Mumbai's highest maximum temperature for December was recorded on December 4, 1987 at a scorching 39.8 degrees Celsius.