MUMBAI: The city recorded the second highest temperature in March in a decade yesterday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The mercury yesterday soared to 41 degrees Celsius, IMD director Shubhangi Bhute told PTI today.

This made yesterday the second hottest day in March this decade, getting within a touching distance of 41.3 degrees C recorded on March 17, 2011.

The highest ever temperature recorded this month in Mumbai was on March 28, 1956 when the mercury reached 41.7 degrees C, Bhute said.

The next few days are likely to be hot in Mumbai, with the temperatures likely to hover around 41 degrees C, according to the IMD.

"A low-level inversion led to a spike in temperatures. The easterly winds don't let the sea breeze effect to set in, which is why the temperatures rise," the official said.