Mumbai Warms Up After Coldwave, Temperatures Rising
After experiencing a brief respite from the usual warm weather due to a coldwave, Mumbai is now seeing a rise in temperatures. On Wednesday, the Santacruz weather observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 19°C and a maximum of 33°C, while Colaba observed a minimum of 21.6°C and a maximum of 30.6°C. This change follows a notable dip in temperatures earlier this week, when Mumbai recorded one of its coolest January mornings with the mercury dropping to 15.2°C on Tuesday.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this shift to strong westerly winds, which have disrupted the previous weather patterns. These winds are leading to fluctuations in the city’s temperatures, and a further rise is expected in the coming days. The IMD forecasts that on January, the minimum temperature in Mumbai will climb to 23°C, while the maximum will remain around 32°C to 33°C. The city will experience hazy skies in the morning, which will gradually give way to partly cloudy conditions by the afternoon. Mumbaikars had a chilly start to the week, as unexpected drizzles on Sunday night brought additional coolness to the air. This weather pattern was not isolated to Mumbai alone; other parts of Maharashtra, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), witnessed light rainfall, further contributing to the cool conditions. The IMD has predicted that on January 10, light rain spells are likely to occur in isolated parts of North Konkan and North Central Maharashtra, while the South Konkan and Marathwada regions are expected to experience partly cloudy skies.
As the temperature rises, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai has remained in the ‘Moderate’ category. On Wednesday, most parts of the city recorded AQI levels in this range, with Shivaji Nagar (Deonar) marking the poorest AQI at 255. Other areas with relatively poor AQI readings, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), include Malad West (182), Sewri (162), Byculla (150), Mazagon (168), Colaba (156), BKC (130), and Sion (139). These numbers suggest a decrease in air quality due to increased particulate matter, likely a result of the ongoing weather changes and the reduced moisture levels. Despite the change in temperature, Mumbaikars can expect a gradual shift towards warmer weather, with the likelihood of more sun and clearer skies in the coming days. While the cool breeze and occasional rain brought some respite, residents are now preparing for the return of warmer conditions that could continue for the rest of the week.
