Mumbai began Thursday with clear skies and mild early morning temperatures, providing a seemingly pleasant start to the day. At 7.30 am, the city recorded 23 degrees Celsius, with forecasts indicating a gradual rise to around 28 degrees by noon. While the weather offers comfort for residents, urban planners and environmental experts caution that rising air pollution continues to pose significant health and infrastructural challenges.
The India Meteorological Department reported consistent sunshine across the city through the morning, with humidity levels ranging between 61 and 67 per cent. Light winds of 10 to 14 kilometres per hour provided minor relief, but no precipitation was expected, maintaining dry conditions typical of the pre-monsoon period. Forecasts for the weekend suggest slightly warmer days, with maximum temperatures between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius and cooler nights averaging 23 to 24 degrees. Despite favourable weather, the city’s air quality is under strain. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 143 in the morning, categorised as poor. Elevated particulate matter levels—PM2.5 at 57 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 at 70 micrograms per cubic metre—highlight the persistence of airborne pollutants in densely populated urban corridors. Industry specialists note that such concentrations can exacerbate respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Urban environmentalists point to a combination of factors driving these pollution levels. Construction dust from ongoing projects, vehicular emissions, and limited urban green cover in high-density areas collectively contribute to sustained particulate concentrations. While residents experience visually clear skies, the underlying air quality metrics reveal that inhalable pollutants remain a silent risk. A senior urban planner explained that micro-level monitoring across neighbourhoods is essential to design interventions targeting hotspots and improving citywide air health. Authorities have stressed that public awareness and preventive measures are critical in mitigating health risks. Experts recommend limiting outdoor exposure during peak morning and evening hours, using air purifiers where possible, and maintaining active tree cover in residential and commercial zones. The situation also underscores the need for coordinated urban policies that align transport, construction, and waste management practices with climate resilience goals.
Looking ahead, analysts emphasise that maintaining favourable weather conditions alone will not ensure safe living environments in Mumbai. Comprehensive strategies incorporating sustainable transport, low-emission construction practices, and expanded urban forestry are necessary to reduce particulate pollution and safeguard public health. Residents and city authorities alike are being urged to monitor AQI trends and adopt adaptive measures, particularly as urban growth continues to intensify environmental pressures.
Mumbai Weather Clear Skies With Poor Air Quality
