Mumbai experienced its coldest night of the season as temperatures dipped to 19°C, only hours after a sweltering 36°C daytime high — the hottest temperature recorded in Maharashtra on Wednesday. The heat continued Thursday, with the city’s maximum temperature reaching nearly 37°C, marking the hottest November day since 2021.
Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed that on Wednesday night, Santacruz recorded a minimum temperature of 19°C, nearly 3 degrees below normal. Meanwhile, the Colaba station registered a minimum of 24°C. Daytime temperatures remained high, with the Santacruz station recording 36.1°C on Wednesday, making Mumbai the state’s hottest city. On Thursday, Mumbai hit 36.8°C, breaking records for November warmth.
IMD scientists attribute these temperature swings to shifting wind patterns. Sunil Kamble, IMD Mumbai’s director, explained that the rise in maximum temperatures results from late-day westerly winds, while the cool nights are caused by easterly winds prevailing overnight.
The IMD forecast suggests no immediate relief, with maximum temperatures likely to stay around 36°C through the week before slightly easing to 34–35°C. Night temperatures are expected to stay between 21–22°C, with a possible dip after November 20.
Independent weather observer Athreya Shetty noted that such temperature variations are typical in November, a transitional month from monsoon to winter. “The dry post-monsoon air cools quickly at night, but daytime heat remains high,” Shetty explained. Mumbai’s warmest recorded November day was 37.6°C in 2018, while the coldest was 13.3°C in 1950.
Mumbai’s air quality stayed moderate on Thursday, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 138. Colaba registered the highest AQI of 281, followed by Worli (188), Ghatkopar (181), and Kandivali (174).
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