Mumbai weather today is a bright, sun‑lit day with temperatures peaking at 28 °C, but residents are cautioned by a very poor air quality alert that could affect health, especially for students and commuters.
Background/Context
In the early hours of Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a clear‑sky forecast for Mumbai, predicting a dry, comfortable winter day. However, the city’s air quality index (AQI) yesterday registered a staggering 251, placing it in the “Very Poor” category. With the city’s traffic and industrial emissions still high, the AQI is expected to remain elevated into the morning, prompting health advisories and mask recommendations for those venturing out.
For students and young professionals who spend long hours on campus or in the city’s bustling streets, the combination of sunny weather and polluted air presents a unique challenge. While the heat is manageable, the particulate matter can trigger respiratory symptoms, making it essential to understand how to navigate the day safely.
Key Developments
According to the latest data from AQI.in, Mumbai’s air quality today shows the following:
- PM2.5: 116 µg/m³
- PM10: 140 µg/m³
- CO: 465 µg/m³
- Overall AQI (India): 251 (Very Poor)
- Overall AQI (US): 197 (Unhealthy)
Weather-wise, the city will experience a steady temperature range from 22.6 °C at night to 28 °C during the day, with an average of 24.8 °C. Humidity will hover around 61%, keeping the air from feeling overly muggy. Winds are expected to pick up to 22 km/h, offering a slight breeze that may help disperse pollutants but will not be enough to clear the haze.
“The morning hours are usually the worst for air quality in Mumbai,” says Dr. Anil Kumar, a senior environmental scientist at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. “Even with a sunny day, the lack of rainfall means particulate matter stays suspended, especially near traffic hubs.”
Students at the University of Mumbai have reported increased coughing and eye irritation during the early morning commute, echoing Dr. Kumar’s observations. “We’re seeing a spike in respiratory complaints among students who walk or cycle to campus before 8 am,” notes campus health officer Priya Desai.
Impact Analysis
For students, the day’s weather and air quality have several practical implications:
- Health Risks: Elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels can cause throat irritation, watery eyes, coughing, and shortness of breath, especially for those with asthma or heart conditions.
- Academic Performance: Poor air quality can reduce concentration and increase fatigue, potentially affecting study sessions and exam preparation.
- Commuting: Traffic congestion combined with high pollution levels can lead to longer travel times and increased exposure.
- Outdoor Activities: Students planning outdoor sports or study groups should consider indoor alternatives or schedule activities during the cooler, less polluted late‑afternoon window.
“If you’re a student who needs to be outdoors for a study session or a sports practice, it’s best to plan for the late‑afternoon or early evening when the wind has started to mix the air,” advises Dr. Kumar. “Avoid the peak traffic hours between 7 am and 9 am if possible.”
Expert Insights/Tips
Health and environmental experts recommend the following measures to mitigate the impact of poor air quality while enjoying the sunny day:
- Wear Masks: Use N95 or equivalent masks when commuting through congested areas, especially before 9 am.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water bottles; dehydration can worsen respiratory symptoms.
- Use Sunglasses: Protect eyes from glare and particulate irritation.
- Choose Indoor Spaces: Opt for libraries, cafés, or study halls with air‑conditioning during peak pollution times.
- Monitor AQI: Check real‑time AQI updates via the official AQI.in app or local news outlets.
- Plan Outdoor Activities: Schedule sports or group walks after 3 pm when wind speeds increase and pollution levels slightly drop.
- Ventilate Smartly: Open windows during the night when AQI is lower, but close them during the day to prevent polluted air from entering indoor spaces.
“Students often underestimate the cumulative effect of daily exposure,” says Dr. Kumar. “Even a few hours in high‑pollution zones can add up over a semester.”
Looking Ahead
The week ahead promises a consistent pattern of sunny weather with no rainfall, but temperatures will gradually rise. Forecasts indicate:
- January 23: High of 25.3 °C, low of 22.2 °C, winds up to 25.2 km/h.
- January 24: High of 25.5 °C, low of 20.4 °C – the best night for opening windows.
- January 25–26: Warmth increases to highs of 27–27.3 °C.
- January 27–28: Slight dip to 26.2–26.3 °C, with breezier conditions on the 28th.
While the temperature trend is mild, the AQI is expected to remain in the “Very Poor” to “Unhealthy” range for the next few days, especially during early mornings and late evenings. The city’s authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and to use air purifiers indoors.
For students, this means adjusting study schedules, perhaps shifting outdoor group projects to indoor venues or to the late‑afternoon slot when the air is marginally better. Universities are also considering temporary indoor relocation of outdoor classes during the most polluted periods.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely,” says Priya Desai. “If the AQI stays high, we may postpone outdoor exams or shift them to indoor halls with proper ventilation.”
In the long term, the city’s pollution levels are tied to traffic density and industrial activity. While short‑term measures can help, sustained improvements will require policy changes, such as stricter emission controls and promotion of public transport.
For now, students and residents can navigate the day by staying informed, using protective gear, and choosing the right times for outdoor activities.
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