Mumbai experienced mostly clear skies and relatively pleasant conditions on Sunday, February 22. However, the overall weather comfort was dampened by a layer of smog that persisted across the city over the past 24 hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast largely clear skies to continue, with temperatures expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The gradual increase in daytime temperatures in recent weeks points to the onset of the summer season.
Air quality continues in ‘moderate’ range
Despite stable weather conditions, air pollution remains a concern. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 125 on Sunday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.
Data from the Centre’s SAMEER app showed varying pollution levels across the city. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded a relatively higher AQI of 174, while Andheri East stood at 160 and Deonar at 154. Other areas such as Kandivali reported 138, Bandra East 121, Mulund West 111, Malad 110, Colaba 110, and Byculla 109—keeping all locations within the ‘moderate’ band.
Air quality in Delhi poor
Meanwhile, Delhi on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, which was 0.2 notches above the season`s average.
The weather department has predicted a mainly clear sky during the day with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 29 degrees Celsius.
Relative humidity was recorded at 89 per cent at 8.30 am.
The air quality was recorded in the `poor` category at 9 am, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 242, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered `good`, 51 to 100 `satisfactory`, 101 to 200 `moderate`, 201 to 300 `poor`, 301 to 400 `very poor`, and 401 to 500 `severe`.
According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as “Good”, indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the “Satisfactory” category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort.
The “Moderate” category, ranging from 101 to 200, indicates rising pollution levels that can trigger respiratory difficulties for people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart disease.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered “Poor”, a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues.
Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as “Very Poor”, posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, “Severe,” includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone.
