Mumbai experienced its coldest December morning in nearly a decade on Monday, with temperatures dropping to 13.7°C at the Santacruz observatory, a significant 5.1°C below the normal range. The last time the city recorded such low temperatures was on December 24, 2015, when the mercury dipped to 11.4°C.
This sharp temperature drop comes just days after Mumbai experienced its hottest December day in 13 years, with temperatures soaring to 37.3°C on December 4. The sudden change in weather has caught many Mumbaikars off guard, as the city is accustomed to more moderate temperatures during this time of the year.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the Colaba observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 19.2°C, which is still above normal, but the Santacruz observatory’s reading marked the most significant decline. While the maximum temperatures remained moderate, Santacruz recorded 32.2°C, 0.9°C below normal, and Colaba reached 30.3°C, 2.4°C lower than average readings.
Meteorologists predict that the current cool weather will persist for the next few days before temperatures gradually begin to rise. Despite the cold, the city’s air quality showed signs of improvement. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an air quality index of 112 across 20 of the 30 monitoring stations in the city, with PM10 (particulate matter of size 10 micrograms per cubic meter) being identified as the primary pollutant.
While the sudden temperature drop is a stark reminder of the variability of Mumbai’s weather, authorities have urged citizens to take precautions against the cold, particularly in the mornings and evenings when the chill is most pronounced.
Sources By Agencies
