Clear skies, rising heat in Mumbai; AQI slips to moderate

Mumbai city and its suburbs are likely to experience mainly clear skies, with hot and humid conditions expected to prevail, especially in the suburban areas. Daytime temperatures are likely to reach around 35 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may settle near 24 degrees Celsius, making for warm and uncomfortable conditions throughout the day.

The air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai currently stands at 104, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. This marks a slight decline compared to Friday, when the AQI was recorded at 88, which fell under the ‘satisfactory’ range.

According to the Centre’s SAMEER app, some areas reported significantly higher pollution levels. Siddharth Nagar (Worli) recorded an AQI of 276, while Sion reported 206, both falling under the ‘very poor’ category. Other locations such as Bhandup West (103), Deonar (158), Chakala (108), and Bandra-Kurla Complex (140) were in the ‘moderate’ category.

Meanwhile, several areas experienced relatively better air quality. Chembur (92), Colaba (74), Bandra East (91), Malad West (85), Sewri (60), and Vile Parle (64) were all placed in the ‘satisfactory’ category.

At current AQI levels, breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, as well as people with heart or lung diseases. Overall, while air quality remains manageable for the general population, certain pockets of the city continue to face elevated pollution levels.

Severe heatwave grips Delhi and North India, alert issued for 32 districts in Uttar Pradesh

According to IANS, a severe heatwave continues to grip Delhi and large parts of North India, with residents struggling under intense temperatures and dry, scorching winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that there is little respite in sight, with Saturday expected to bring another day of oppressive heat and discomfort. Meanwhile, a severe heat alert has been issued in Uttar Pradesh`s 32 districts.

Over the past 24 hours, the city has witnessed minimal fluctuation in temperatures. Minimum temperatures ranged between 23 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures climbed to 42–43 degrees Celsius. In several parts of Delhi, the mercury remained 1.6 to 3.0 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, intensifying the impact of the ongoing heatwave.

Some parts of the national Capital recorded the season’s first heatwave on Friday, even as the IMD issued a yellow alert. While the Safdarjung weather station did not officially record a heatwave, at least two other stations did, reported IANS. 

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal. The Lodhi Road and Ridge stations met this criterion, recording maximum temperatures of 41.8 degrees Celsius and 43.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. These readings were significantly above the seasonal averages, with Lodhi Road at 4.8 degrees above normal and Ridge at 4.7 degrees higher.

Meanwhile, a severe heat alert has been issued in Uttar Pradesh, where a prolonged spell of extreme heat is underway. According to the Meteorological Department, these conditions are expected to persist through April 25, affecting both daytime and nighttime temperatures, reported IANS. 

(With inputs from IANS)

* This article was originally published here