The Indian Metrological Department or IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai and its neighbouring regions, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40 degree Celcius over the next couple of days.
The maximum temperature in most parts of Mumbai was recorded above 37 degrees Celsius over Sunday and Monday.
The IMD has released a detailed district-wise forecast and warnings till March 16 for Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts.
The heatwave conditions in these districts are likely to ease by Thursday, IMD said.
"We have issued a severe heatwave warning for the regions of Northern Konkan which includes Palghar, Mumbai, and Thane. For March 16, we have issued a heatwave warning for the entire Konkan region," an official said.
As per the IMD, a severe heatwave in a coastal station, like Mumbai, is declared when the daytime maximum temperature is above 37 degrees Celsius.
In view of the IMD's warning, the Mumbai civic body took to Twitter to inform citizens about the do's and dont's and asked them to "stay hydrated and safe".
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or BMC has appealed to citizens to stay safe and hydrated and avoid going out in the afternoon.
A person suffering from a heat stroke should immediately be taken to hospital, it said, and asked people to increase the intake of water and other healthy fluids.
"Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty," the BMC said and asked people to avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high.
It also asked citizens to avoid tea, coffee, soft drinks, high-protein and stale food, and suggested that people use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on head, neck, face and limbs if they work outdoors.
The BMC also asked people to take ORS (oral rehydration salts) and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water and buttermilk which help to re-hydrate the body. Use fans and take bath in cold water frequently, it said.
"If a person faints or falls ill, he/she see a doctor immediately," it stated.
