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Mumbai woke up to a warm Friday morning accompanied by worsening air pollution, as the city’s Air Quality Index slipped into the “poor” category while temperatures began climbing early in the day. Real-time monitoring data showed the AQI at 142, indicating deteriorating air conditions across the metropolis. Air quality in this range can cause discomfort, especially for people belonging to sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory issues. Environmental experts say that prolonged exposure to such air may trigger breathing difficulties and throat irritation. The situation reflects a gradual rise in pollution levels across the city as warm weather conditions continue to prevail.Air monitoring systems across the city reported a noticeable increase in particulate matter concentration in the atmosphere. Fine particulate matter, commonly known as PM2.5, was measured at 56 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 levels reached 68 micrograms per cubic metre. These pollutants are known to penetrate deep into the lungs and often lead to respiratory irritation, coughing and reduced air visibility in dense urban environments. Experts note that particulate pollution typically increases during warm and calm mornings in coastal cities like Mumbai because limited atmospheric movement prevents pollutants from dispersing effectively, allowing them to accumulate closer to ground level.Also Read: Assam IAF Jet Crash: 2 Pilots Killed After Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Crashes in JorhatDespite the rise in particulate pollution, other harmful gases remained comparatively low in the city’s atmosphere. Carbon monoxide was recorded at 318 parts per billion, while both nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels were measured at 12 parts per billion each. Meanwhile, sulphur dioxide levels were found to be minimal at just 4 parts per billion. Although these readings are within relatively safer limits, environmental analysts warn that continuous monitoring remains important, as changing weather patterns and urban activities can quickly influence pollution levels. Even moderate concentrations of pollutants, when combined with particulate matter, can contribute to overall deterioration in urban air quality.Weather observations indicated that Mumbai experienced clear skies along with warm temperatures during the early hours of the day. The city recorded a morning temperature of 28 degrees Celsius under bright and sunny conditions. Meteorologists predict that the temperature will gradually increase as the day progresses, with the mercury likely to reach around 32 degrees Celsius by the afternoon. The sunny weather, combined with limited cloud cover, has allowed heat to build up steadily across the city. Such weather patterns are common during this time of the year, when rising temperatures mark the gradual transition toward warmer pre-summer conditions in the coastal region.Humidity in the city remained moderate at approximately 36 percent during the morning hours, while winds were blowing at a speed of nearly 13 kilometres per hour. The gentle breeze provided slight relief from the rising heat, although it was not strong enough to significantly disperse accumulated pollutants. Weather experts note that moderate humidity levels can sometimes intensify the feeling of warmth, particularly during sunny afternoons. As the day advances, residents may experience increasingly uncomfortable conditions due to the combined impact of heat, humidity and lingering pollution particles present in the air across several parts of the city.Earlier, the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for isolated areas in parts of Maharashtra, particularly within the Konkan region. Districts such as Palghar, Thane and Raigad are expected to experience hot and humid weather conditions during the day. Authorities have advised residents in these regions to avoid staying outdoors for long periods during the afternoon, when temperatures are likely to peak. According to the department’s forecast, maximum temperatures across the region could rise to around 35 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may remain close to 23 degrees Celsius during the night.Meteorologists have warned that the combined effect of rising heat, increasing humidity and persistent urban pollution could make daytime conditions uncomfortable for residents. People belonging to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, young children and those suffering from respiratory illnesses, may face greater health risks under such environmental conditions. Health experts recommend limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated and using protective measures such as masks if pollution levels remain elevated. Officials continue to monitor both weather patterns and air quality to assess how these factors may affect public health in the coming days.

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