Mumbai weather: IMD signals monsoon end as city's air quality sees striking gains

Mumbai weather

Mumbai awoke to crisp air and brilliant blue skies on Wednesday, signalling the likely end of the monsoon season after weeks of unsettled weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed no significant rainfall was recorded across the city on Tuesday, indicating the rain clouds have finally retreated.

The shift in weather has brought a welcome improvement to the city's air quality. According to data from AQI.in, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 81 on Wednesday morning, a figure categorised as ‘moderate’.

This marks a significant recovery from the hazy conditions and diminished visibility that plagued the city following the withdrawal of the monsoon winds, when stagnant air and vehicular pollution had led to a noticeable smog.

The IMD forecasts partly cloudy skies for the day with the possibility of light showers or isolated thunderstorms in a few isolated areas. Residents can expect comfortable temperatures, with a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius.

The cleaner air was not uniformly distributed but showed a positive trend across many areas. The western suburbs fared particularly well, with Kandivali East recording a ‘good’ AQI of 50. Other areas including Malad West, Jogeshwari and Powai all registered in the ‘moderate’ range with readings of 57.

However, the AQI.in data revealed pockets of poorer air quality persist. Parel-Bhoiwada recorded the highest AQI in the city at 163, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Chembur and Mankhurd also reported ‘poor’ air with readings of 137 and 113 respectively. Areas like Mulund West and the Wadala Truck Terminal fell within the ‘moderate’ band.

As defined by AQI.in’s classification, readings from 0–50 are “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and values exceeding 200 are considered “Severe” or “Hazardous.”