As the city moves towards the winter season, the air quality witnesses a drop, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI), on Tuesday, fell under the 'poor' category with an AQI of 245, according to System of Air Quality Forecast and Research (SAFAR). According to the report, the PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations in Mumbai are 104 and 155 respectively.
On Tuesday, the city witnessed the highest AQI in Mazagoan with AQI 207 (very poor), followed by Malad (266), BKC (251), Colaba (235), Chembur (228), Andheri (201) in the 'poor' category, while Borivali (183) and Bhandup (101) remained in the 'moderate' category. Also, Worli was in the 'satisfactory' category with an AQI of 93.
What is Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure the quality of air in a given area which is measured from 0 to 500. A higher value of AQI denotes a greater level of pollutants in the air and more severe health hazards.
For the 'poor' category which is the AQI range between 200 to 300 AQI, SAFAR has given some advisories for the public. For the sensitive groups, they should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. take more breaks and do less intense activities.
While asthmatics should keep their medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur and heart patients should see a doctor if they get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. While healthy individuals should remain alert and watchful for unusual fatigue.
Low humidity levels for two days
Meanwhile, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city will experience low humidity levels and clear skies for the next two days and the temperature is likely to hover between 35°C to 21°C indicating that the daytime will remain hot but the climate may cool down by evening.
On Tuesday, the minimum temperature recorded in Santacruz was 21.4°C and the maximum was 34.8°C, also the relative humidity was 75%. While Colaba experienced a minimum temperature of 23.6°C and a maximum temperature of 34.0°C with a relative humidity of 84%.
