For the third day in a row, the air quality in Mumbai remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday. The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 320, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
On Monday, the city had recorded an AQI of 318.
Talking about other parts of the city, with AQI at 495 (severe), Mazgaon was the most polluted area. Similarly, Colaba in South Mumbai recorded AQI at 320 (very poor), followed by Malad (346), Chembur (309), Andheri (307), reported SAFAR.
As per the air pollution experts, the high air pollution levels in the financial capital are triggered by dust storms coupled with cold conditions and weak wind speed.
Dust storms, low wind speeds trigger poor air quality
As per the air pollution experts, on February 3, dust storms originated over Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the border areas of Rajasthan.
Moreover, a storm originating in the Middle East has triggered dust and haze over northwestern Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan, further resulting in the deterioration of the air quality in the city.
Air quality likely to improve
According to a report published in the Indian Express (IE), Gufran Beig, SAFAR’s founder project director said, “The second dust storm-related intrusion had stopped three days back but due to moist conditions and relatively cooler temperatures in Mumbai, fine particles which were trapped due to the storm are hanging and not getting dispersed as air is still heavy.”
“As a result, Mumbai’s AQI is still very poor but it will gradually start improving as it gets warmer in coming days with a rider,” he added.
Mumbai weather
On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in Mumbai was recorded at 27.3 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature at Santacruz observatory was recorded at 17.8 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature dropped to 14 degrees Celsius in the city on Wednesday morning.
