Mumbai: Cyclone Arnab may bring cooler weather, but air quality concerns remain

The haze seen from Bandra Reclamation on Monday. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

With Cyclone Arnab making landfall on India's eastern coast, the weather activities are likely to bring changes to conditions in Mumbai as well. Independent meteorologists suggest that the city is expected to see higher moisture in the days ahead, with the worst of October's heat behind us and the likelihood of light showers by the end of the month. However, experts caution that the rains may not be powerful enough to make Mumbai's air as clear as it is during monsoons.

[popcorn number="2 am" desc="Time Arnab made landfall on India's east coast, on Wednesday" class="Default"]

Dip in temp

Weather experts state that while Mumbai has been seeing temperatures as high as 38°C in the past few weeks, they are estimated to make a slight dip to about 34°C. "Since Mumbai will also be seeing a lot of cloud cover in the daytime, the temperatures can be expected to go lower," said Rushikesh Agre, an independent weatherman who runs ‘Mumbai Rains'.

Wet weekend

As for Maharashtra, experts say the cyclone is now moving northwards, so regions like east Vidarbha are expected to get rainfall, while the ghat section from Nasik to Satara can also expect rain.

Expert Speak

Rajesh Kapadia, independent meteorologist, Vagaries of the Weather
‘The cyclone created a low-pressure area, and the winds from the Arabian Sea are likely to get pulled inwards. This would mean a temperature lower by 2°C-3°C, meaning the October heat is behind us.'

Rushikesh Agre, independent weatherman, Mumbai Rains
‘While Mumbai has been experiencing landlocked temperatures, it is likely to experience its regular coastal temperatures by October-end. There are also chances of light rain over the weekend, but the models could evolve in the days to come.'

Athreya Shetty, independent meteorologist
‘Particles of pollutants can act as condensation nuclei in a high humidity environment which allows water molecules to bind to them, creating lower visibility and poor air quality. However, Mumbai is also likely to get breezier days owing to circulations in the Arabian Sea. If strong enough, the breeze might give us clear skies.'