Mumbai began Saturday on a refreshingly cool note, with clear skies, gentle winter breezes and lower humidity providing residents a brief respite from the city’s usual heat. However, the relief did not last long as a visible layer of smog gradually enveloped the skyline, reducing visibility and once again highlighting the city’s growing air pollution concerns.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted generally pleasant conditions for the financial capital, with daytime temperatures expected to range between 14 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. While the weather remained comfortable through the day, worsening air quality quickly became the dominant concern, overshadowing the favourable morning conditions.