Bengaluru weather: Clear skies and gentle breeze mask moderate air quality; sunny days ahead

Bengaluru weather

The city awoke to crisp, clear skies on Friday morning, with sunshine breaking through as temperatures climbed from a brisk 13.9 degrees Celsius towards a pleasant afternoon high of 25.8 degrees Celsius. The conditions, as per AQI.in, mark a classic Bengaluru December day, offering a welcome window for outdoor activity before a chance of patchy rain later next week.

However, the meteorological pleasantries come with a caveat for public health. While yesterday's air quality showed a slight improvement, falling from a 'poor' AQI of 140 to a 'moderate' 129 according to data from AQI.in, pollution remains a tangible concern, particularly around the city's traffic corridors.

The forecast for the coming days promises consistent conditions, with sunny skies dominating through the weekend and into early next week. Daily high temperatures are expected to hover comfortably in the mid-20s Celsius.

According to the detailed forecast, Saturday, December 13, will be slightly warmer with highs of 26.3 degrees Celsius, a day described as perfect for outdoor plans.

Sunday and Monday, December 14 and 15, will see a mild drop with similar, stable conditions. A warmer day is expected on Tuesday, December 16, with highs of 26.2 degrees Celsius before a shift in pattern. The evening of Wednesday, December 17, is anticipated to bring patchy rain, with temperatures dipping noticeably. Sunshine is then forecast to return on Thursday, December 18.

Residents looking to schedule outdoor activities are advised that Saturday, December 13, appears most favourable, while those out on the evening of Tuesday, December 17, may want to carry an umbrella.

Despite the idyllic weather, the air quality narrative is more complex. The primary pollutants of concern are fine particulate matter — PM2.5 and PM10 — alongside elevated levels of carbon monoxide, largely attributed to vehicular emissions.

Analysis indicated these levels were slightly above established safe limits, with PM2.5 measured at 66 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and PM10 at 86 µg/m³. Carbon monoxide levels were found to be elevated at 387 µg/m³.

The weekly trend reveals a recent period of more significant concern. Data from AQI.in shows Bengaluru's air was in the 'poor' category (AQI 101-200) for five consecutive days from December 6-10, peaking at 140 on December 7.

While the sunny conditions prevailing today could assist in the dispersion of pollutants, higher concentrations might still be observed in specific traffic zones. For individuals within sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory issues, the 'moderate' air quality could lead to mild discomfort.

Authorities and health experts advise a cautious approach. When air quality is in the 'Good' category (AQI 0-50), no health impacts are expected. During 'Moderate' conditions (AQI 51-100), unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Once air quality becomes 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (AQI 101-150), which Bengaluru experienced last week, children, active adults and people with respiratory diseases should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Given the lingering pollutants in high-traffic zones, a practical recommendation for commuters, particularly during peak hours, to consider wearing a mask to reduce exposure. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are advised to remain vigilant and may want to limit outdoor exposure in congested areas.