Mumbai's Smog Blanket Persists with 'Moderate' Air Quality Levels
On Sunday, Mumbai continued to grapple with a persistent smog blanket covering large parts of the city, as air quality levels remained firmly in the "moderate" category. Unfavourable weather conditions showed little sign of easing, creating a hazy atmosphere that lingered through the morning hours.
Stable Pollution Levels with Marginal Improvement
The city's average air quality index (AQI) stood at 105, which was marginally lower than the previous day's reading of 107. This indicates stable but persistent pollution levels that have become characteristic of Mumbai's winter months. Several neighbourhoods reported significantly reduced visibility during the early morning hours, with haze failing to clear quickly as it typically does.
Santosh Shetty, a member of We All Connect, a Kandivli Lokhandwala residents' association, described encountering particularly dense smog during his morning walk. "On my walk around 6am, I encountered particularly heavy smog. It was difficult to see clearly even at a short distance," he reported, highlighting the tangible impact on daily life.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Smog
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have attributed the continued smog to stagnant weather conditions that are effectively trapping pollutants near the surface. An IMD official explained, "Meteorological conditions like low wind speed and temperature inversion, where the warm air traps the cold air below, not allowing it to dissipate into the atmosphere, are the primary reasons for smog."
Abhijit Modak, an independent meteorologist, noted that the current conditions align with Mumbai's typical winter pollution pattern. "November through February are consistently the most polluted months for the city. Smog represents a combination of weather conditions where cold air sinks and cannot rise properly, leading to pollutants being locked in a particular geographic area," he elaborated.
Weak Winds and Persistent Conditions
Modak further explained that both sea breeze and land breeze have remained unusually weak in recent days, contributing to the atmospheric stagnation. "With winds expected to continue at low speeds, smog is likely to persist as there is no weather system at present that can contribute to higher wind speeds and help clear the pollution," he warned, suggesting residents should prepare for continued poor air quality.
Health Implications of 'Moderate' Pollution
The "moderate" classification of air pollution carries significant health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. These pollution levels can trigger respiratory issues in people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions, while also affecting children and older adults who may be more sensitive to air quality fluctuations.
As Mumbai residents navigate these challenging atmospheric conditions, experts emphasize the importance of monitoring air quality reports and taking appropriate precautions, especially during morning hours when pollution concentrations tend to peak.
