Mumbaikars reached for their sweaters and shawls on Friday morning as the city experienced its coldest day of the winter season so far. The mercury plunged below the 15-degree Celsius mark, marking a significant dip and bringing a sharp chill to the coastal metropolis.
Record Low Temperature for the Season
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius in Mumbai. This reading is a substantial 3.4 degrees Celsius below the normal average for this time of the year. This Friday morning's low has officially become the season's coldest, breaking the previous record set just days earlier.
The earlier lowest temperature for this winter was logged on December 12, when the minimum settled at 14.9°C. In the context of the past decade, today's 14.6°C stands as the third lowest minimum temperature recorded in the month of December.
What's Causing the Chill?
Weather officials have explained the reason behind this sudden nip in the air. They attribute the drop to a combination of clear night skies and northerly winds that are carrying cooler air into various parts of the city and its suburbs. This pattern is typical for creating colder conditions in the region during winter.
Historical Context and Forecast
Looking back at recent years, December last year saw a lower temperature of 13.7°C, while in 2018, the minimum dropped to 14.4°C. However, the all-time historical record for Mumbai in December remains a frigid 10.6°C, recorded way back on December 20, 1949, according to IMD data.
The cool spell is not over yet. The weather bureau's forecast for the coming days indicates that these chilly conditions are likely to persist. Minimum temperatures are expected to hover between 17°C and 19°C in the near term. Meanwhile, daytime temperatures will remain relatively stable and pleasant, ranging around 32°C to 33°C throughout the week.
Residents are advised to enjoy the winter weather while it lasts, as the unique chill in the typically warm city makes for a refreshing change, albeit a brief one.
