Mumbai residents woke up to clear skies and fresher air on Tuesday morning as overnight rainfall washed away dust and pollutants lingering over the city. The brief but widespread showers brought a dip in both temperature and pollution levels, providing welcome respite after weeks of hazy skies and elevated air quality readings.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience partly cloudy conditions through the day with chances of light to moderate showers in some areas. Temperatures are forecast to remain pleasant, with a maximum of 32°C and a minimum around 24°C. Meteorologists noted that such post-rain transitions typically improve air quality as suspended particulate matter settles. Data from AQI.in indicated a citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) of 64 on Tuesday morning — placing Mumbai in the “moderate” category. While the reading reflected a slight deterioration from the previous day’s “good” range, experts said the overall conditions were far better than the poor air quality episodes witnessed earlier this month.
Several areas showed notable improvement. Kurla and Kandivali East reported AQI readings of 52, Sion 55, and Bandra East 57 — all in the good to moderate bracket. However, some pockets remained affected. Chembur recorded the city’s highest AQI at 113, falling into the “poor” range due to ongoing vehicular and industrial emissions. Other localities, including Jogeshwari (80) and Mankhurd (77), stayed within moderate levels. Environmental analysts pointed out that Mumbai’s air quality remains closely tied to its weather conditions. “Rainfall events, even brief ones, help cleanse the atmosphere temporarily. But sustained improvement requires structural interventions — like reducing vehicular emissions, better construction dust control, and expanding green cover,” an air quality expert noted.
Residents across several neighbourhoods reported clearer visibility and reduced smog since the rainfall. Many said the morning felt cooler and more breathable after several stuffy, pollution-heavy days. According to IMD officials, the coming days may bring intermittent showers that could further stabilise pollution levels before winter sets in — a period typically associated with rising particulate matter due to stagnant winds. Mumbai’s improving air quality serves as a timely reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle for cleaner, more sustainable urban air. While natural weather shifts bring short-term relief, experts emphasise the need for continuous monitoring and coordinated urban policies to maintain long-term air quality standards.
Mumbai Breathes Easier As AQI Improves To Moderate Category
