Mumbai Records Coldest December Morning in 6 Years, Air Quality Moderate
Mumbai Shivers as December Brings Season’s Coldest Morning in Six Years
Mumbai, December 9, 2024 – A blanket of chilly air settled over Mumbai this morning, bringing the city its coldest December day in six years.Santacruz, a suburb in the city, recorded a bone-chilling 13.7 degrees Celsius, shattering the previous record of 16.5°C set just days ago.
Social media platforms buzzed with residents sharing their experiences of the unusually cold weather, with many commenting on the rarity of such low temperatures in December.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a clear adn sunny day ahead, with the maximum temperature expected to reach a agreeable 32 degrees Celsius.
While the cold snap brought a welcome respite from the usual Mumbai humidity, it also brought a thin layer of smog, resulting in a “moderate” air quality index (AQI) reading of 112.
While the AQI level is generally considered acceptable for most people, those with respiratory issues like asthma or allergies may experience mild discomfort.
The smog, which shrouded the city in a hazy veil before sunrise, dissipated as the sun rose, revealing a clear blue sky.
Mumbai Braces for Unusually Cold Morning
NewsDirectory3.com Exclusive Interview
Dr. Rohit Sharma
Meteorologist,
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Sharma, Mumbai woke up to its coldest December morning in six years today. What’s behind this sudden drop in temperatures?
Dr. Sharma: This cold snap is primarily due to a combination of factors.A strong northerly wind pattern is bringing down cold air from the Himalayas.
Together,clear skies and low humidity allow for rapid radiative cooling at night,leading to a more meaningful drop in temperatures compared to usual.
NewsDirectory3: While Mumbaikars are enjoying the relief from humidity, we’re also seeing a rise in air pollution. Is ther a link?
Dr. Sharma: Yes, cooler temperatures and calm wind conditions can trap pollutants closer to the ground, leading to elevated levels of smog. This is a common phenomenon during winter months, especially in urban areas.
NewsDirectory3: What can Mumbaikars expect in the coming days?
Dr. Sharma: The IMD predicts a warming trend in the next few days. Temperatures are expected to rise gradually, bringing Mumbai back to its usual December range. However, we may continue to experience some fog in the mornings due to the lingering cool air mass.