india

Updated: Apr 20, 2019 06:29 IST

A day after the city recorded its cleanest air day this year, pollution levels increased on Friday, thanks to windblown dust.

The air quality index (AQI), which was 71 (satisfactory) on Thursday, rose to 119 (moderate) on Friday, according to the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

AQI level for PM2.5 in the 0-50 range is good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and above 400 is severe. SAFAR researchers said the air quality had worsened owing to windblown dust over the city.

“It is a marginal rise. Moisture was less on Friday, so the pollutant-carrying capacity increased in Mumbai’s air,” said Gufran Beig, project director, SAFAR.

Meanwhile, the day temperature increased to 34.8 degrees Celsius in the suburbs on Friday, which was 1.8 degree Celsius above normal. South Mumbai recorded 33.5 degrees Celsius, a degree Celsius above normal.

The minimum temperature was close to the normal mark.

A clear sky has been predicted for Saturday.

It is expected to turn cloudy by evening.

The day and night temperature is expected to be 36 and 24 degrees Celsius respectively.