Mumbai weather updates: City sees clear skies but smog persists; AQI remains 'moderate'

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Mumbai woke up to mostly clear skies and relatively pleasant weather on Monday, February 23, but a lingering layer of smog continued to affect overall air quality across the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast similar conditions for the day, with clear skies likely to prevail and temperatures expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. The gradual rise in daytime temperatures in recent weeks संकेत the transition towards the summer season.

As per IMD's 8:30 am observations, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz registered 20.3 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported at either location.

Air quality remains a concern

Despite stable weather conditions, pollution levels continue to remain a concern for residents. Mumbai's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 104 on Monday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate' category.

According to data from the Centre's SAMEER app, air quality varied across different parts of the city. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 162, Andheri East 132, and Deonar 151. Other areas included Kandivali at 123, Bandra East 113, Byculla 106, Malad 93, Colaba 84, and Mulund West 61 - keeping most locations within the moderate range.

Moderate rain likely along TN Western Ghats; dry weather to continue in rest

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast moderate rainfall over parts of the Western Ghats over the next two days, while most other regions of Tamil Nadu are expected to experience largely dry conditions.

In a statement, the Meteorological Department said that one or two places in the Western Ghats districts are likely to receive light to moderate rain today and tomorrow.

The rainfall activity is expected to remain limited to isolated pockets in hilly and adjoining areas, with no widespread precipitation forecast.

Meanwhile, the rest of Tamil Nadu, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry and its Karaikal region, is likely to experience dry weather. Weather officials indicated that there are no significant weather systems currently affecting large parts of the state, resulting in stable atmospheric conditions.

Looking ahead, the department has forecast moderate rainfall over southern Tamil Nadu on February 26.

Though details regarding the intensity and spread are yet to be specified, officials said the rainfall is expected to be confined to select districts in the southern region.

As for temperatures, no major fluctuations are anticipated across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the coming days. However, a slight rise in maximum temperatures cannot be ruled out. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover close to seasonal averages.

In Chennai, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy for the whole day. The department has also forecast the possibility of light mist in one or two areas during the early morning hours.