During the peak summer season last year, the IMD had issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai and its adjoining districts multiple times between March and April (Express Photo)Mumbai on Tuesday recorded a maximum day temperature of 38.7 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest February day in eight years.The India Meteorology Department (IMD) had on Monday issued a yellow alert of heatwave warning for Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri and Raigad districts between Tuesday and Wednesday. Weather experts have maintained that the temperature may record further rise on Wednesday.IMD’s Santacruz observatory on Tuesday recorded day temperature of 38. 7 degrees, which was 5.9 degrees above the normal level.Meanwhile, the coastal observatory at Colaba recorded a day temperature of 34.6 degrees, which was 3.6 degrees above normal.Prior to this, hottest February day recorded during the last ten years were at 38.8 degrees Celsius on February 19, 2017 and February 23, 2015.“At present there is an intervention of easterly winds which is delaying the sea-breeze. The sea breeze usually sets in by 10-11 am but due to the easterly winds the setting is delayed by a couple of hours, which results in a rise in temperature during the day,” Sushma Nair scientist from IMD, Mumbai told The Indian Express.During the peak summer season last year, the IMD had issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai and its adjoining districts multiple times between March and April.Nair said that March is a transition period which leads to the presence of dry winds in the atmosphere that lead to heatwave-like situations.“Over the past ten years we have recorded day temperatures on the higher side during February. While a heatwave-like situation has not risen before, this is not totally unprecedented,” Nair added.Meanwhile, the weather bureau has advised citizens to remain hydrated during the next few days and to avoid staying outdoors between 11 am and 4 pm without wearing a mask.Story continues below this ad“The temperature will stay above normal for the next few days and maybe after three-four days, there will be a slight drop. However, it’s not going to bring in much respite for people,” Nair added.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:IMD MumbaiMumbai Temperature