Mumbai residents woke up to a picture-perfect winter morning on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures setting the stage for the day. However, the beautiful sunshine comes with a significant caveat: the city's air quality remains a serious health concern.
Ideal Weather for Outdoor Plans
The maximum temperature is expected to reach a pleasant 30.6°C, while the night will be mild with a low of 23.6°C. The morning began at 23.6°C, with a gradual warm-up forecast through the afternoon. Humidity levels are comfortable at around 43%, and a gentle breeze of 15.8 km/h is blowing across the city.
With zero cloud cover and no rain predicted, the entire day promises uninterrupted sunshine. The evenings are set to be particularly pleasant, with temperatures settling in the mid-20s, creating perfect conditions for a walk by the sea or an open-air dinner.
Air Quality Alert: 'Poor' AQI Persists
Despite the gorgeous weather, Mumbai's air pollution levels demand caution. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) from yesterday, December 17, was recorded in the 'Poor' category at 215. This unhealthy level is likely to persist to some degree today.
The primary pollutants identified were:
- PM2.5 at 97 µg/m³
- PM10 at 121 µg/m³
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) at 339 µg/m³
Such high concentrations can cause breathing difficulties and aggravate conditions for people with asthma or other respiratory issues. While today's wind might help disperse some pollutants, experts advise taking precautions.
Weekly Forecast and Health Advisory
The next seven days in Mumbai look consistently sunny and dry, with no rainfall in sight. Temperatures will fluctuate within a narrow, comfortable band between 22.6°C and 30.6°C.
December 20 is projected to be the coolest day with a high of 29°C, while December 24 might see a slight rise to 29.3°C. Nights will remain mild throughout the week. This stable weather pattern could help improve air quality, provided there is no sudden spike in local pollution sources.
Given the conditions, here are key recommendations for Mumbaikars:
- Limit prolonged exposure to heavy traffic areas, especially during peak hours.
- Consider wearing a mask (like an N95) while commuting to filter out harmful particulates.
- For those enjoying the sunshine, applying sunscreen and wearing sunglasses is essential.
- December 20 and 21 are highlighted as the best days for strenuous outdoor activities due to slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
The data for this forecast and AQI reading is sourced from AQI.in. Yesterday's AQI of 215 shows a slight deterioration from December 14, when it was 175, indicating fluctuating pollution levels despite the clear weather.