Urban climate in Mumbai

Question 1

temperature

Answer 1

tropical climate - average temp around 27 degrees
parts hotter than others
dharavi typically 5 degrees hotter (densely packed with no open spaces/ trees that can lessen heat)
Mumbai’s current humidity levels are 60% - considered oppressive
UHI growing - 2019 2/3 on India experiencing heat waves

Question 2

precipitation

Answer 2

southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall June-September
recently particularly badly effected (at least 30 flood related deaths)
2005 - at least 900 died in flood in Mumbai - 8 pump stations to pump out water built
plan to revamp city drains (1993) - not enough done
average precipitation - around 95 inches

Question 3

fog and thunderstorms

Answer 3

dense fog caused by poor air quality
because of ‘very poor’ air quality - smog covers Mumbai
movement of cold air from north India leads to formation of thick fog
thunderstorms common in colder months when monsoon gets ready to withdraw causing changes to wind current
recent increase in intensity than usual (due to climate change and higher temperatures) along Mumbai’s coastal zones

Question 4

Wind

Answer 4

average wind speed - 10.6 mph

Question 5

Air quality

Answer 5

IQAir - 20,000 fatalities due to air pollution 2021
AQI of Mumbai - 320 (very poor) 2021 - worse than in 5 years
due to high pressure in western india and calm prevailing winds (no removal of emissions)

Question 6

Pollution reduction policies

Answer 6

2023-24 BMC strategy
sustainable green urban planning
sustainable waste management measures
sustainable construction and destruction
Autorickshaws not allowed to operate in Mumbai city district (southern Mumbai) - to attempt to reduce emissions in an already high emission zone