Mumbai, March 5 -- The city experienced a sharp rise in temperatures on Wednesday, with Santacruz recording 38.7degC, nearly six degrees above normal, as the city was placed under a yellow alert. The minimum temperature at Santacruz, which is the city's base weather station, stood at 22.6degC, 2.7 degrees above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In south Mumbai, Colaba recorded a maximum of 35.7degC, 4.5 degrees above normal, and a minimum temperature of 24degC. Akola recorded the highest temperature in the state at 39.3degC. IMD records showed that Wednesday's temperature was the earliest spike in March in the last 10 years. In the previous years, such sharp rise has been after March 12. A senior IMD scientist attributed the spike to easterly winds and an anticyclonic circulation over the region. While Mumbai has no alert for Thursday, neighbouring Thane, Palghar and Raigad continue to remain under a yellow alert, according to IMD officials. Santacruz is expected to record a maximum of 35degC and a minimum of 23degC on Thursday. The alert is subject to change since it is applicable till 8.30am the next day. HTC...