By: Express News ServiceUpdated: October 11, 2025 03:43 PM IST 3 min readMeteorologists from the IMD confirmed that the city is currently experiencing ‘October heat’ owing to the easterly winds. (Representative Image/File Photo)With the withdrawal of the monsoon, October heat has kicked in in Mumbai, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 33.7°C on Friday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the warm and above normal temperatures are here to stay, with maximum temperatures likely to hover over 34°C in the coming week.In a spell that left the city sweltering under uncomfortable conditions, the maximum temperatures in Mumbai’s Santacruz observatory reached 33.7°C on Friday, surpassing normal levels.Meteorologists from the IMD confirmed that the city is currently experiencing ‘October heat’ owing to the easterly winds. A common weather phenomenon for Mumbai, this leads to an escalation in temperatures from the first week of October each year, with the daily temperature rising and ranging between the 30-35°C marks.“When the monsoon withdraws, there is a change in the wind patterns. During the monsoon, we were receiving the westerlies. However, now, we are predominantly getting the easterly winds. These easterly winds are dry and therefore, the temperatures spike during this period,” said Sushma Nair, a scientist from IMD Mumbai.An analysis of climatological charts between 1991 and 2020 shows that the mean maximum temperature in October is 33.6°C. However, over the past few years, October heat has fuelled temperatures upwards of 36°C.According to scientists, the city will only experience relief once the northerly and north-westerly winds set in. However, the discomfort is likely to persist in the coming days with the IMD forecasting highs of over 34°C for the next week at least.In its forecast bulletin, the weather bureau has stated that the city may experience a spell of post-monsoon rain and thunderstorm activity between October 16 and October 17, though temperatures will continue to remain above normal.AQI continues to spikeStory continues below this adWhile temperatures have been soaring, the withdrawal of showers has also led to a spike in air pollution levels in the city. Over the past week, the air quality index (AQI) rose steadily and touched 152 on Saturday morning, which is categorised as moderate. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that in the past 24 hours, PM2.5 and PM10 were amongst the most prominent pollutants, with the high AQI causing health impacts like breathing discomfort to persons with ailments such as lung disorders, asthma and heart diseases.Of Mumbai’s 26 monitoring stations, only one station—Borivali East—recorded ‘satisfactory’ air quality at 80.Records showed that the poorest air quality was recorded in Deonar, where the AQI dipped to 209, followed by 200 in Colaba. Meanwhile, the remaining parts of the city reeled under ‘moderate’ AQI, with the worst AQI observed in Malad West at 189, followed by 176 in Kandivali West, 175 in Bandra East and 169 in Chembur.The city’s air quality is poised for further deterioration in the coming week owing to the bursting of crackers during Diwali festivities, which is slated for October 20-21, this year.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd