Mumbai Heatwave Warning? IMD Issues Yellow Alert as Temperatures Near 37°C, Says April–May Could Turn Hotter

Mumbai and nearby districts are expected to face uncomfortable heat, with humid weather and rising pollution levels. The India Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for hot and sticky conditions, warning that maximum temperatures may touch 37°C, while air quality in several city pockets has already slipped to unhealthy levels.

The alert applies to Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad for 4 and 5 March. Forecasts show daytime temperatures in Mumbai City and suburbs hovering near 36°C, with night temperatures around 22°C. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear, leaving little relief from the building heat and humidity.

Mumbai weather forecast: IMD Yellow Alert and March heat outlook

IMD scientists expect March temperatures in Mumbai and the metropolitan region to stay higher than usual. The department does not anticipate heatwaves during March, but it expects the month to remain warm, with daytime temperatures generally above 30°C despite occasional small dips due to changing wind patterns.

Looking beyond March, hotter days are likely to intensify. IMD projections indicate that Mumbai and surrounding districts could experience heatwave conditions during April and May. The broader outlook suggests the upcoming summer may resemble conditions seen during Summer 2025, with persistent warmth over a long stretch.

Mumbai weather forecast: National outlook for MAM 2026 heatwave days

Nationwide, the IMD’s Hot Weather Outlook for March to May 2026 points to a warmer season. It states that both minimum and maximum temperatures are “very likely” to stay above normal in most regions. That pattern raises the possibility of more frequent and longer heatwave spells across many states.

For MAM 2026, the IMD expects more heatwave days over large parts of east and east-central India, along with many areas in the southeast Peninsula, plus some pockets in northwest and west-central India. This trend points to widespread hot weather risks beyond Mumbai and Maharashtra.

The report further notes: “Above-normal heatwave days are expected over most parts of the country, including West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, south and east Maharashtra, east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, north interior Karnataka and some parts of north Tamil Nadu during March to May 2026,” the report says.

Mumbai weather forecast: Air quality and AQI readings across the city

While heat builds, Mumbai’s air quality has also worsened. The city’s overall air quality index moved from a “satisfactory” reading of 64 on Monday to 111 on Tuesday. Several locations recorded AQI levels above 150, signalling localised pollution that can particularly affect vulnerable residents.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer App showed some of the poorest AQI readings in specific neighbourhoods. Kandivali West recorded an AQI of 166, Powai and Mulund West each logged 155, while Deonar stood at 146. Readings at BKC, Chembur and Sewri were also elevated.

Residents across Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra now face a combination of early summer heat and patchy air pollution. IMD scientist Sushma Nair said, “March will not see heatwaves; however, heatwave conditions are expected in April and May for Mumbai, its neighbouring districts and several parts of the state. As wind patterns change, there could be a slight dip in temperature, but overall mercury will be above 30°C in the month of March,” said IMD Mumbai scientist Sushma Nair. These forecasts highlight the likelihood of sustained warm conditions and recurring heat stress over the coming months.