Mumbai’s air quality oscillates between ‘moderate’ and ‘poor’ on Saturday

Researchers from the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) attributed the rise in pollution to changing weather.

Air quality on Saturday moved from ‘moderate’ during the day to ‘poor’ by the evening.

Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198 during the day that increased to 202 by the evening. An AQI between 101-200 falls under the ‘moderate’ category while that between 201-300 is ‘poor’. (Representational photo)

Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198 during the day that increased to 202 by the evening. An AQI between 101-200 falls under the ‘moderate’ category while that between 201-300 is ‘poor’.

Researchers from the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) attributed the rise in pollution to changing weather. “While wind speed was high through the day, the minimum temperature saw a drop on Saturday morning. Even moisture levels were low. These factors led to an increase in AQI,” said Neha Parkhi, senior programme manager, SAFAR. “Pollution levels are likely to be on this borderline mark for the next three days.”

SAFAR pegged Sunday’s AQI at 184 (moderate).

Meanwhile, after three days of above normal temperatures in Mumbai, the Santacruz weather station recorded the night temperature a degree Celsius below normal at 20 degrees Celsius. However, Colaba recorded 24 degrees Celsius, which was a degree Celsius above normal.

Moisture levels were low as Colaba and Santacruz recorded 72% and 49% humidity, respectively. The average wind speed was 4km per hour.

Day temperatures were similar to previous days, 2 degrees Celsius above normal.

On Saturday, Bandra Kurla Complex was the most polluted location in Mumbai, followed by Navi Mumbai. On the other hand, Colaba in south Mumbai recorded the cleanest air.