Mumbai's winter break ends as smog pushes AQI to 'unhealthy' 265
Mumbai woke up to clear skies but by mid-morning, thick smog rolled in, sending the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to an "unhealthy" 265.
The haze made it tough for people on the roads and signaled the end of the city's brief winter respite.
Why does this matter?
An AQI above 200 isn't just a number—it means everyone's exposed to unhealthy air, especially kids, seniors, and anyone with breathing or heart issues.
The spike is mainly due to dust from ongoing construction and vehicle emissions, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels well above safe limits.
Where is it worst?
Some spots are hit much harder: Wadala Truck Terminal's AQI reached a hazardous 425, while Vashi (353), Bandra (318), Chembur (313), and Mazgaon (311) all saw severe air quality.
Even areas like Kandivali East (170) and Goregaon East (190) are in the "unhealthy" range—so if you're out there, take care!