Mumbai: No dust storms but cooler days ahead

Dust storms took over Mumbai last year. Pic/Shadab Khan

Temperature in the city is likely to dip in the coming days, predict meteorologists, owing to the intense effect of the twin Western Disturbances (WDs) that are likely to affect the Western Himalayan Region from January 23. But there will not be any dust storms, unlike last year, when a brown spell cast over Mumbai. Weather changes are expected to be witnessed across the counter, because of the twin WDs.

"Last year, the WD diverted already present dust storms towards Mumbai, causing poor air quality in the city and adjoining areas. However, that's not the case this time," clarifies Gufran Beig, founder director of System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a WD in the form of a cyclonic circulation is present over Pakistan and adjoining J&K. An induced cyclonic circulation is also over Southwest Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra.

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The WD affecting Western Himalayas from January 23 will intensify rain and snow in the region, peaking on January 24 and 25. Last year, three dust storms from the Gulf, between January and February, deteriorated Mumbai's air quality, placing it over 500 AQI (severe). On January 23 the overall AQI value of Mumbai was 502.

Denying the possibility of a dust storm Rajesh Kapadia of Vagaries of weather, a popular private weather forecasting blog, said, "The rumour about a dust storm and extreme pollution because of it is completely baseless."

As per Kapadia's forecast, the weather in Maharashtra will be pleasant. Temperature is likely to drop from Sunday going into next week. Last week's lowest temperatures were between 13 and 14 degrees Celsius. As per IMD, the minimum temperature in the city will rise slightly from January 22 but will drop again by January 25.