The air quality in the financial capital was recorded in the satisfactory' category Friday morning, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research SAFAR-India.

Following the southwest monsoon’s departure from Mumbai on October 6, the city has experienced a swift and robust return of hot weather, marking the beginning of ‘October heat’ over the region.

This sudden surge in temperatures is attributed to dry easterly and northeasterly winds in the lower atmospheric levels. And the mercury will remain high, with Mumbai likely to experience temperatures in the lower to mid-30s for the next few days.

Despite the temperature just being a few degrees above normal and not reaching heat wave-like conditions, the weather is not going to be comfortable for the next six to seven days. This is because the easterly winds are bringing dry air into the city

The blazing heat has already led to a surge in electricity demand across the metropolis. In the first week of October alone, Mumbai's electricity consumption surpassed 3550 megawatts, the highest since the end of summer. Maharashtra collectively recorded a surge in power demand to over 27300 megawatts as well, potentially driven by the widespread use of air conditioners.

Experts warn that the worst of the 'October heat' is yet to come. Often referred to as the ‘second summer’, this weather phenomenon is common in Mumbai, where temperatures tend to rise during this transitional month between the monsoon and the winter season.

Meanwhile, the presence of dry easterly winds of late indicates the complete withdrawal of the monsoon winds, with winds from the north-northeast gaining momentum.