Ratnagiri records 39.2 deg C, Maharashtra's highest, as October heat grips state

Pune: The weather has been changing noticeably over the past few days. Heat has intensified across the state in the middle of October. On Monday, Ratnagiri recorded the state's highest maximum temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius. The October heat is drawing attention, and in some areas conditions are such that even the scorching heat of the month of Vaishakh would seem mild.

According to India Meteorological Department data, maximum temperatures of 38.9 degrees were recorded in Nandurbar, 38.5 degrees in Harnai, 38.4 degrees in Malegaon and 38.2 degrees Celsius at Santacruz in Mumbai. Thane-Belapur recorded 38 degrees, Solapur 37.9 degrees and Jalgaon 37.4 degrees. The weather department said this is the highest maximum temperature in three years.

The Colaba observatory in Mumbai recorded 36.5 degrees Celsius. Many parts of the state have received no rain, so the heat persists. Even in October, the mercury is touching 38 to 39 degrees, making the sun hard to bear for people. On October 12, Harnai recorded a maximum temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures may remain high in Mumbai and surrounding areas over the next two days. The mercury may touch 39 degrees in some places. In Mumbai, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the maximum temperature may reach 38 to 39 degrees Celsius on October 13 and 14. Weather experts expect a gradual fall after that. The weather department estimates that between October 15 and 17 the maximum temperature could drop to 36 to 37 degrees. Even as daytime temperatures fall, humidity is expected to keep conditions muggy.

With the monsoon having withdrawn from the state, signs of rain are now emerging for the latter part of October. According to the India Meteorological Department's extended range forecast map, parts of the western coastal belt, including Maharashtra, are likely to receive above-average rainfall between October 22 and November 5.