Mumbai is set for a scorching Friday, October 9, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues its first heatwave warning of the post-monsoon season for isolated
pockets of the city and Raigad. A yellow alert is in place as temperatures remain several degrees above normal, raising concerns about the impact of the intense heat on residents.
The warning comes just days after the monsoon officially withdrew from Mumbai on October 3. While the withdrawal is expected to bring clearer skies and drier conditions, it does not necessarily mean cooler weather. Instead, the city is experiencing an unusually sharp rise in daytime temperatures.
Mumbai Records Rising Temperatures Ahead Of Heatwave Alert
Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 35.4°C on Wednesday, October 7, which rose to 37.6°C on Thursday, October 8. Relative humidity stood at 55% on Thursday.
Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Mumbai chief Bikram Singh said temperatures could climb to 38°C on Friday. Explaining the decision to issue a heatwave warning, Singh said the forecast temperature was expected to be around 4.5°C above normal, meeting the relevant criteria. He added that relatively lower humidity could offer some relief despite the high temperatures.
The IMD’s heatwave criteria for Mumbai and other coastal areas take into account both the maximum temperature recorded and its departure from the normal level. A heatwave is generally declared in these coastal regions when the maximum temperature reaches at least 37°C and is 4.5°C or more above normal for two consecutive days.
On October 9, the IMD has issued yellow alerts for heat and hot, humid conditions in several districts, while parts of western Maharashtra could receive isolated showers. Most districts in Marathwada and Vidarbha are expected to remain largely dry, with daytime temperatures hovering between 32°C and 34°C in several areas.
Why Is Mumbai Experiencing Unusual October Heat?
Weather experts say the current atmospheric conditions are particularly favourable for a sharp rise in daytime temperatures across Mumbai and the wider Konkan region.
Independent weather observer Abhijit Modak explained that a persistent high-pressure area over Gujarat, combined with easterly to north-easterly winds, is suppressing the sea breeze along the Konkan coast. With the cooling influence of the sea breeze delayed, temperatures are rising sharply during the day.
The early withdrawal of the monsoon, below-normal rainfall in September and the absence of a significant post-monsoon thunderstorm spell have further reduced moisture and cloud cover. This allows the land surface to heat up more rapidly. Modak said Mumbai and parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) could see temperatures approaching 39°C in the coming days, with the possibility of isolated locations nearing 40°C. He expects the unusually warm conditions to persist until around October 14, with temperatures potentially peaking during the first half of the month.
🌡️ #OctoberHeat intensifies over #Konkan!
With a High-Pressure Area (HPA) dominating the #Gujarat region, northeasterly/easterly winds are currently prevailing over #Maharashtra. This setup is delaying the development of the sea breeze, allowing temperatures to rise significantly across #Kokan, with several locations now reaching 38–39°C.
Adding to the heat quotient is the ongoing strong El Niño signal, with Niño 3.4 SST anomalies approaching +3°C. The relatively poor rainfall performance during September, followed by an early #monsoon withdrawal nearly a week ahead of the usual timeline, has also reduced the lingering moisture and cloud-cover influence over the region.
The absence of a significant post-withdrawal thunderstorm spell during early October has further allowed the land surface to heat up rapidly. With each passing day, the background conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for higher daytime temperatures.
🌡️ As a result, parts of Konkan, including #Mumbai and the wider #MMR, could see temperatures pushing towards 39°C in the coming days with odd spots touching 40°C mark 🔥
This warmer-than-usual pattern may persist through around 14 #October, with the heat potentially peaking during the first half of the month.
The #SWM2026 has left early — and October is wasting no time turning up the heat! 🔥☀️
#Mumbai #MMR #KonkanRains #OctoberHeat #ElNino #MaharashtraWeather #KonkanWeather #WeatherUpdate #WeatherAnalysis #Monsoon2026
— Abhijit Modak (कोकण हवामान)🌞🌦️⛈️ (@meet_abhijit) October 8, 2026
A strong El Niño signal has also been highlighted in the broader weather outlook, with Niño 3.4 sea-surface temperature anomalies reportedly approaching +3°C. However, the immediate factors contributing to the current heat include the prevailing wind pattern, reduced cloud cover and the delayed development of the sea breeze.
Heatwave Conditions Could Persist Until October 14
The intense heat is expected to continue over the next two to three days, with Friday, October 9, likely to be among the hottest days of the current spell. Several locations across the Konkan region have already recorded temperatures of 38-39°C. Solapur in Maharashtra recorded 37.7°C on October 8, reportedly its highest October temperature since 2002.
The IMD has also forecast hot and humid conditions at isolated locations in Thane and Palghar. Residents across Mumbai and neighbouring districts should therefore remain cautious, particularly during the afternoon when temperatures are expected to be at their highest.
Although the monsoon has withdrawn, the resulting reduction in moisture and cloud cover can contribute to hotter afternoons. The current conditions could continue to keep temperatures well above seasonal levels through the middle of October.
Mumbai’s Air Quality Deteriorates As Heat Intensifies
The rising temperatures are accompanied by a deterioration in Mumbai’s air quality. The city’s PM10 Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the moderate category on Thursday, October 8, recording a reading of 120, compared with 91 on Wednesday.
The recent PM10 AQI readings are as follows:
- October 8: 120
- October 7: 91
- October 6: 77
- October 5: 86
- October 4: 92
- October 3: 88
- October 2: 110
- October 1: 79
The increase highlights another environmental concern for residents as the city faces unusually hot and dry weather.
Heatwave Alert: What Residents Should Do
With the IMD warning in place, residents are advised to take precautions to reduce the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
Dos:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Carry oral rehydration solution (ORS) or another suitable hydrating drink when outdoors.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing.
- Use an umbrella, hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
- Take regular breaks in a cool or shaded place, particularly if you begin to feel dizzy, weak or unusually tired.
Don’ts:
- Avoid going outdoors between noon and 3 pm wherever possible.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
- Limit alcohol and excessive caffeine consumption, particularly when spending time outdoors.
- Anyone experiencing severe dizziness, confusion, fainting or other signs of a serious heat-related illness should seek urgent medical assistance.
Calls For Workplace And School Precautions
As Mumbai comes under its first post-monsoon heatwave alert of the season, concerns are growing over the impact on schoolchildren, office workers, outdoor labourers and other vulnerable groups.
Authorities, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), could consider precautionary measures such as reviewing outdoor school activities, issuing heat-safety advisories and encouraging work from home wherever operationally feasible.
With Mumbai under an IMD Heatwave Alert tomorrow, October 9, I urge @mybmc & authorities to consider declaring a holiday for schools & encourage Work From Home for offices/corporates wherever operationally possible.
Extreme heat is a public health risk. Prevention is always better than a heat related emergency.
— Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) October 8, 2026
Any decision to declare a school holiday or introduce workplace restrictions would need to be confirmed by the relevant authorities.
With temperatures potentially approaching 39°C in parts of the region and the hot spell likely to persist until around October 14, residents are advised to follow official weather updates and take the necessary precautions.
The monsoon’s withdrawal may have brought drier skies to Mumbai, but the latest forecast is a reminder that October can still deliver dangerous levels of heat.
