Unusual October Heatwave Hits Mumbai as Sea Breeze Delays and Anti‑Cyclone Stirs Warm Air

Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra are seeing an atypical October heatwave with temperatures lingering around 35 °C. Meteorologists say the rise is linked to two main factors: a late‑arriving sea breeze and an anti‑cyclonic circulation over Gujarat and southwest Madhya Pradesh. The southwest monsoon has pulled back from the region, and there is no sign of the usual winter chill. The India Meteorological Department has therefore issued a yellow heat‑wave alert for Mumbai on October 16. Mahesh Palawat, vice‑president of meteorology at Skymet Weather Services, explained that the anti‑cyclone suppresses winds, dries the surface and pushes hot, dry air from Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat toward the city. He added that the sea breeze, which normally reaches the coast around midday, is now arriving only at about 2–3 pm. Palawat expects some relief early next week as the sea breeze starts earlier and the anti‑cyclone weakens. ## Context The sea breeze normally cools coastal areas by bringing in cooler ocean air around noon. An anti‑cyclonic system creates sinking air that inhibits cloud formation and keeps temperatures high, especially when the monsoon rains have withdrawn.