Mumbai wakes up to surprise rain spells on New Year’s Day, AQI at moderate level

While areas like Mulund, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Lower Parel, and the eastern suburbs woke up to drizzle, parts of South and Central Mumbai witnessed heavy showers for nearly 30 minutes.

Several pockets of Mumbai, including Mulund, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Lower Parel, and the eastern suburbs, woke up to drizzle. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Mumbai ushered in the New Year with drizzles as unseasonal showers swept pockets of the city and its neighbouring districts Thursday morning, bringing respite from the haze and suspended dust particles, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 116.

Several pockets of Mumbai, including Mulund, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Lower Parel, and the eastern suburbs, woke up to drizzle.

Meanwhile, parts of South and Central Mumbai witnessed heavy showers for nearly 30 minutes. In the neighbouring districts, areas like Thane experienced light rain.

Mumbai has been experiencing a cool spell over the past few days, with daytime temperatures on Thursday dipping below 30 degrees Celsius. While the Santacruz observatory recorded maximum temperatures of 29.5 degree Celsius, the Colaba coastal observatory logged 29.4 degree Celsius.

Meteorologists attributed the ongoing dip in temperatures to northerly winds and an anticyclonic system, which brought cool air. During the same period, the city also experienced reduced visibility due to slow wind speeds, leading to prolonged suspension of dust particles in the air.

Until Wednesday, the AQI in Mumbai hovered around 135.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram