Mumbai: On Monday, the city was covered in haze with temperatures reaching 34°C even as an upper air cyclonic circulation threatened to bring some rain by Wednesday. The haze could be attributed to the easterly winds, which brought dust and masses of hot air, with a discomfort index of 35.1 (arrived at by the correlation of temperature and humidity through a formula).
K.S. Hosalikar, deputy director-general (western region), Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, said the city was devoid of rain and the hot weather prevailed as the temperatures rose over 34°C against the average 27°C in the beginning of September.
Mr. Hosalikar said, “The developed system is expected to last at least one more day. The coastal observatory stations recorded winds blowing north-west at a speed of 10 to 15 metres per second; it, combined with easterly winds, resulted in the worsened air conditions and the rise in temperatures.”
“The air quality is not good. The easterly winds got stronger and it carried a lot of dust. Temperatures have gone up for this reason. For another two days, we can observe this system’s development,” said Mr. Hosalikar.
Private weather forecaster Skymet Weather said a cyclonic circulation coming in from south-west Madhya Pradesh could result in scattered light to moderate showers.
The air pollution control centres in Bhandup and other eastern suburbs recorded deterioration of air quality to the moderate level; the sulphur dioxide content level was recorded between 85 and 90 micrograms per cubic metre. The air quality of the suburbs remained good.
“The sudden rise of temperatures to 36°C results in particles getting trapped. The suburbs enjoying breeze are cleared of the polluted air,” said P. Anbalagan, member-secretary, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
The stations at Colaba recorded 11.2 mm of rain till 8:30 a.m. The observatories at Santacruz and Colaba did not record a single drop till 8:30 p.m.
Skymet Weather in its statement said that a cyclonic circulation has developed over south-west Madhya Pradesh and a trough is extending from this system to Kerala across central Maharashtra.
“As this trough is passing in the close vicinity of Mumbai, the city can brace for some light rain for the next 24 hours. Thereafter, the offshore trough running from south Gujarat to coastal Karnataka is likely to become active once again which will aid in increasing the rain over Mumbai. On September 13 and 14, moderate spells over Mumbai can be expected,” Skymet Weather predicted.
Dr. Gautam Bhansali, who practises at Bombay Hospital, said patients who have any respiratory ailments like asthma should be cautious because presence of smog triggers worst attacks. “Keeping the medication and the inhalation pump handy is the best. Once should also cover the face with a handkerchief to prevent inhalation of particles.” He also said that smog particles trigger episodes of prolonged cough and sore throat.
Dr. Hemant Gupta said the smog flares up the viral infections, bronchitis, or allergic reactions. “Even as the smog will not solely be responsible for causing it, it definitely plays a role in aggravating the condition who are already tackling these diseases.”
Discomfort index
Discomfort, distress, or thermal comfort index is calculated with the help of an equation, which expresses the correlation of temperature and humidity and varies over six levels. Index below 21°C is where no distress is felt. From 21 to 24, under 50% of the population feels discomfort; from 24 to 27, most 50% population feels discomfort; from 27 to 29, most of the population suffers discomfort; and between 29 and 32, evere one feels severe stress. Above 32 means a state of medical emergency when increased awareness should be observed in hospitals.