The claim was shared by the X account "Mumbai Rains" and quickly triggered widespread alarm, with many residents mistaking the figure for the actual atmospheric temperature. As the post gained traction, online discussions intensified and several users expressed shock over what appeared to be an unprecedented weather event.
Following the viral reaction, the weather account issued a clarification stating that the reported figure did not represent the actual air temperature. Instead, it referred to the "feels-like temperature," which reflects the level of heat experienced by the human body when humidity and wet-bulb temperature are taken into account. According to the explanation, the reading was recorded using an ambient weather device and highlighted the extreme discomfort caused by exceptionally high moisture levels in the atmosphere.
The clarification underscored that elevated humidity can make conditions feel significantly hotter than the measured air temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related stress even when the actual temperature remains lower.
The post sparked strong reactions across social media platforms. One user compared Mumbai's weather to "living inside an air fryer," while others blamed the severe conditions on rapid urbanisation and the steady decline in green cover across the metropolitan region. Some users, however, questioned the 60-degree figure and argued that such temperatures would normally be possible only inside a glass enclosure.
For residents struggling through the sweltering conditions, there is now hope of relief. The "Mumbai Rains" account indicated that temperatures are expected to decline next week, with rainfall likely to bring respite from the prolonged spell of heat and humidity.
The India Meteorological Department has also issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and the Konkan region. According to the department, several districts across Maharashtra are likely to witness thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and lightning over the coming days.
The districts placed under alert include Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, Akola, Nagpur, and Wardha, along with several other parts of the state.
The changing weather pattern has added to the concerns of farmers across Maharashtra. Reports indicate that unseasonal rainfall and excessive humidity have caused significant damage to mango orchards, affecting production and resulting in financial losses for cultivators.
The dramatic shift from extreme heat to storm warnings highlights the growing volatility of weather conditions in Maharashtra, exposing both urban residents and farmers to the increasingly severe consequences of climatic instability.
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