Mumbai Enjoys Sunny Skies But Battles Persistent Air Pollution
Mumbai residents woke up to a bright and sunny Thursday on January 15, 2026. The city experienced clear skies throughout the day with excellent visibility reaching 10 kilometers. No rainfall occurred, and the chance of precipitation remained at zero percent. The weather presented ideal conditions for outdoor activities with strong sunshine from morning until evening.
Comfortable Temperatures Mark the Day
The temperature range remained pleasant for January standards. Early morning hours saw a mild low of 21.8 degrees Celsius. During the afternoon, temperatures climbed to a warm peak of 27.6 degrees Celsius. The average temperature for the day settled around 24.8 degrees Celsius, creating generally comfortable conditions across the metropolitan area.
Moderate humidity levels of approximately 40 percent prevented the atmosphere from feeling sticky or oppressive. Gentle winds blew at maximum speeds near 23 kilometers per hour, providing some cooling relief along coastal areas. These breezes made shaded spots feel noticeably cooler than sun-exposed locations.
Air Quality Concerns Linger Despite Clear Weather
While the weather appeared picture-perfect, air quality told a different story. Mumbai continued to grapple with Very Poor air conditions following Wednesday's measurements. The Air Quality Index (India) registered at 228, firmly placing the city in unhealthy territory. Particulate pollution emerged as the primary culprit behind these concerning levels.
Detailed measurements revealed PM2.5 concentrations at 105 and PM10 levels reaching 127. These fine particles typically irritate eyes, noses, and throats. They can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma and cause discomfort even among healthy individuals. Many residents reported scratchy throats and occasional headaches after extended outdoor exposure.
Health authorities maintained advisories recommending masks during outdoor activities, particularly near traffic corridors and construction sites. The sunshine and moderate winds provided some dispersion of pollutants, but without stronger ventilation patterns or rainfall to cleanse the atmosphere, pollution persisted across various city pockets.
Daily Planning Considerations for Residents
Mumbai's Thursday presented what experts call a great weather, watch the air scenario. Residents needed to balance enjoying the pleasant conditions with protecting themselves from poor air quality. Practical recommendations included:
- Wearing sunglasses and light cotton clothing during afternoon hours
- Using good-quality masks when commuting during peak traffic periods
- Maintaining steady hydration throughout the day
- Considering indoor exercise options for sensitive groups
Early morning offered comfortable temperatures for workouts, but pollution sometimes concentrated closer to ground level during these hours. Children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory conditions received particular caution about extended outdoor exposure.
Astronomical Conditions and Weekly Outlook
The clear skies provided excellent conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. Sunrise occurred at 7:15 AM while sunset took place at 6:21 PM, creating a long daylight period. The moon appeared in its Waning Crescent phase with 13 percent illumination, offering a delicate sliver of moonlight after dark.
Looking ahead, Mumbai's weather pattern remains stable and sunny through the coming week. January 16 is projected as the warmest day with highs near 28.3 degrees Celsius. Subsequent days show gradual cooling:
- January 17: High around 27.8°C
- January 18: High near 26.5°C
- January 19: High approximately 26°C
- January 20: High about 25.2°C
- January 21: High around 25.9°C
Nighttime temperatures mostly hover in the low 20s, with January 21 expected to bring the coolest low at 20.1 degrees Celsius. Saturday, January 17 appears ideal for outdoor plans with sunny and warm conditions. Tuesday, January 20 offers cooler daytime temperatures though humidity may increase to around 61 percent.
Mumbai's persistent winter haze pattern continues despite the excellent weather conditions. The city has struggled to achieve moderate air quality readings for several days, with consecutive Poor to Very Poor classifications indicating ongoing atmospheric challenges even under clear skies.
