Mumbai Braces for 14°C as Coldwave Returns
Mumbai is gearing up for a significant dip in temperatures as the city braces for another coldwave this week. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature is forecasted to reach 14°C on Tuesday, January 9, marking one of the chilliest spells this season.
On Monday, January 6, the Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 16.8°C, down from 19°C the previous day. The maximum temperature also saw a sharp decline, dropping to 30.3°C from 36°C in just three days. The IMD’s weekly forecast predicts minimum temperatures ranging between 14°C and 18°C and maximum temperatures between 31°C and 33°C until January 12. While skies will remain mostly clear, hazy and foggy conditions are likely to develop later in the week. Meteorologists attribute the sudden temperature dip to disturbances in westerly winds and the influence of strong northern winds. Light rainfall at isolated locations on Sunday evening further contributed to the cooling effect, intensifying the chill in the air.
The city’s air quality index (AQI), which has been consistently poor to very poor over the past month, has shown slight improvement due to the strong winds. On Monday, the AQI stood at a moderate level of 128, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, several areas continue to experience poor air quality. Shivaji Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 232, followed by Ghatkopar (195) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport T2 area (136). Other locations such as Sewri (130), Borivali East (125), BKC (128), and Malad West (128) also reported suboptimal air quality. The sudden weather changes have brought a winter chill to Mumbai, offering a refreshing contrast to its usual warm and humid climate. As Mumbaikars prepare for the coldwave, the city’s dynamic weather patterns remain a reminder of the intricate interplay between global climatic systems and local conditions.
