Mumbai weather updates: City AQI improves to 98; Ghatkopar, BKC still polluted

Smog covers Mumbai, visible from Goregaon East to Western Express Highway. PIC/ SATEJ SHINDE

Haze was observed across Mumbai during Monday morning, giving way to mainly clear skies by afternoon and evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city recorded a minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius in Colaba, while Santacruz experienced a cooler 15.2 degrees Celsius, with no rainfall reported at either location.

As per the Sameer App, the Air Quality Index (AQI) shows improvement compared to the past couple of days, with the city recording an overall AQI of 98, classified as satisfactory. While generally safe, sensitive groups may experience minor breathing discomfort.

IN PHOTOS: Smog spreads across Mumbai, causing hazy conditions along Western Express Highway

20 hours agoPHOTO GALLERY

AQI across Mumbai

Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): 117
Borivali: 80
Byculla: 119
Andheri: 100
Chembur: 108
Ghatkopar: 129
Kandivali: 97
Kherwadi, Bandra East: 121
Bhandup West: 86

Mumbai's air pollution triggers rise in respiratory illnesses

This December, Mumbai has consistently recorded concentrations of PM2.5 - considered the worst pollutant - higher than India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), especially in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Byculla and Mazagaon, Chakala in Andheri East, Deonar, Ghatkopar, Kherwadi in Bandra East, Khindipada in Bhandup, and Malad, according to data available from continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS), registered with the Central Pollution Control Board.

mid-day assessed data for PM2.5 concentrations in Mumbai's air for the first two weeks of December. Every day, the average concentration of PM2.5 was higher than 60 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre), ranging to an average of over 100µg/m³. Hotspots such as BKC, Kherwadi, and Byculla have recorded maximum PM2.5 levels exceeding 200µg/m³

Why is it important

While the overall AQI of the city is noted to have improved this winter in comparison to 2023 and 2022, Mumbaikars have continued to experience the adverse impacts of bad air quality, leading to respiratory problems ranging from sore throat to respiratory infections, increased asthmatic symptoms, and fatigue.

PM2.5 is considered the worst pollutant. These are tiny particles that human beings can inhale. They settle deep in lungs. They can enter the bloodstream, causing long-term heart problems and even stroke. In contrast, PM10 is not a pollutant that can immediately be inhaled, and leads to other problems such as irritation to the eyes, damaging skin and hair.

While according to NAAQS, levels up to 60 µg/m³ are acceptable, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), acceptable levels of PM2.5 are at an annual average of 5 µg/m³ and a 24-hour average of 15 µg/m.