After weeks of humid spells and unpredictable showers, Mumbai finally woke up to clear skies and fresh air on Wednesday, signalling the near end of the monsoon season. The city recorded no significant rainfall on Tuesday, marking a distinct shift to calmer, post-monsoon weather — a welcome change for residents after a long spell of fluctuating climate conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience partly cloudy skies through the day, with only light showers in isolated pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while nights will remain relatively cool at around 23°C. The current weather pattern indicates a transition towards dry and breezy conditions typical of early winter in coastal Maharashtra. Officials from IMD said the recent short bursts of rainfall helped stabilise temperatures and temporarily reduce particulate matter in the air. However, with the monsoon retreating, the city’s air quality is once again becoming dependent on vehicular emissions and construction activity — both major contributors to pollution in the metropolitan region.
As per AQI.in data, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 81 on Wednesday morning, placing it in the “moderate” category. While this reflects a minor deterioration from earlier “good” levels, the air quality remains relatively healthy compared to the post-monsoon haze often seen in previous years. Certain areas recorded poorer air quality — Parel-Bhoiwada at 163 and Chembur at 137 — attributed to traffic congestion and industrial emissions. Meanwhile, western suburbs fared significantly better, with Kandivali East (50) falling in the “good” range, and areas such as Malad, Powai, and Kurla recording moderate levels between 57 and 65.
Experts note that Mumbai’s coastal winds play a crucial role in dispersing airborne pollutants, making its air quality less severe than that of northern cities during the same period. However, they warn that sustained construction dust and vehicular emissions could worsen the AQI if not managed through stricter urban emission controls. Environmental planners suggest that Mumbai’s ongoing efforts to expand public transport, electrify buses, and enhance green cover will be key to maintaining cleaner post-monsoon air. The city’s focus on creating walkable zones and adopting cleaner fuels in mobility systems could gradually help stabilise air quality levels across densely populated areas.
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