Mumbai, Feb 13 (UNI) Mumbai experienced moderate temperatures and cloudy conditions on Friday, but a thick layer of smog soon enveloped the skyline, sharply reducing visibility and raising renewed concerns about air pollution. The brief relief from recent colder conditions was overshadowed by a steep deterioration in air quality.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the city is likely to witness partly cloudy skies accompanied by haze. Temperatures are expected to range between 12 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than those recorded in the past week, indicating a possible shift in weather conditions.
The city’s Air Quality Index currently stands at 274, placing it in the ‘unhealthy’ category. In the preceding 12 hours, the AQI rose significantly from 160 recorded at 2.30 pm the previous day to 274. Pollution at this level can affect even healthy individuals and may cause respiratory discomfort and other health problems.
Among the worst-hit areas, Wadala West recorded an AQI of 368. Kannamwar Nagar Li followed with 338, Wadala Truck Terminal with 323, Sewri West with 320 and Bhoiwada with 319.
At the lower end, Vidya Nagar registered 157, categorised as ‘poor’. Bandra West Station, Dhakoji Sethpada, Natwar Nagar and Churi Wadi recorded AQI levels of 163, 167, 177 and 180 respectively, all within the ‘poor’ range. Previously, several of these locations would report ‘good’ air quality, raising concerns over the city’s declining environmental conditions.
As per standard classification, AQI values between 0 and 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 poor, 201 to 300 unhealthy and above 300 severe or hazardous.
