Mumbai Braces for Winter Chill: IMD Predicts 15°C Low as Air Quality Holds Steady
Mumbai residents are in for a crisp start to the weekend, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting predominantly clear conditions over the city and its suburbs on Friday. Temperatures are set to peak at around 33 degrees Celsius during the day, but the mercury could plunge to a brisk 15 degrees Celsius overnight, signaling the onset of cooler weather patterns.
Early morning observations highlight the chill already taking hold in parts of the metropolis. In Colaba, thermometers dipped to a minimum of 20.6 degrees Celsius amid 74 percent relative humidity. Meanwhile, Santacruz logged an even cooler low of 14.9 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at 75 percent.
On the environmental front, Mumbai’s air remains in the moderate category, as indicated by a citywide air quality index (AQI) of 115 reported by the SAMEER App. Health officials warn that this level could trigger respiratory issues for those with pre-existing conditions such as lung diseases, asthma, or cardiovascular problems. Localized AQI figures paint a varied picture: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) at 115, Borivali at 79, Byculla at 96, Chakala in Andheri East at 93, Chembur at 124, Colaba at 101, Deonar at 126, and Kandivali West at a healthier 53.
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Beyond the city limits, Maharashtra is awakening to widespread morning frost across its districts, with lows spanning 7.3 degrees Celsius to 16.1 degrees Celsius. The state enjoyed mostly dry spells in the preceding 24 hours, featuring clear skies and minimal rainfall, though seasonal accumulations persist in select areas.
Northern and western regions bore the brunt of the cold: Nashik hit 7.8 degrees Celsius with 64 percent humidity and no recent precipitation, while Pune shivered at 8.3 degrees Celsius under 77 percent humidity. Satara registered 9.4 degrees Celsius in hazy, clear conditions. Further south, Kolhapur noted 13.5 degrees Celsius and 55 percent humidity, with Sangli close behind at 11.3 degrees Celsius and 68 percent amid similar haze.
Coastal spots offered slight relief, with Dahanu at 15.1 degrees Celsius and 72 percent humidity, and Ratnagiri the warmest at 16.1 degrees Celsius with 43 percent. Inland readings included Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 10.6 degrees Celsius (47 percent humidity), Ahilyanagar—the state’s chilliest—at 7.3 degrees Celsius with a damp 90 percent humidity, and Udgir at 11.0 degrees Celsius (51 percent). Malegaon dipped to 8.4 degrees Celsius with 95 percent humidity, Nanded to 9.1 degrees Celsius (peaking at 28.9 degrees Celsius daytime, 63 percent humidity).
Rainfall tallies for the season underscore wetter pockets: Ratnagiri leads with 405.7 millimeters, followed by Dahanu at 184.6 millimeters, Sangli at 112.5 millimeters, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 108.6 millimeters, and Kolhapur at 96.3 millimeters. The rest of the state saw negligible downpours overnight.
As Mumbai navigates this transitional weather, residents are advised to layer up for the evenings and monitor air quality updates closely, especially vulnerable groups.