Mumbai, June 5: Mumbai has witnessed a decline in pollution levels after heavy downpour lashed the city on Monday evening. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Mumbai was 35, which comes under 'good' category. Moreover, it was also the second-cleanest air day since 2015 when air quality monitoring began, reportedly.

The lowest-ever AQI recorded in Mumbai has been 32 on October 12, 2017. According to a news report in The Hindustan Times, Mumbai’s air quality on Monday was the cleanest among all cities, whereas AQI levels recorded in other cities were – Delhi (97 - satisfactory), Pune (52 - satisfactory), and Ahmedabad (88 - satisfactory)

The researchers from the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said that air quality had improved owing to the recent pre-monsoon showers in Mumbai and surrounding areas on Saturday. Gufran Beig, project director, SAFAR was quoted as saying,“This is a typical phenomenon during monsoon when the first showers wash away pollutants and dust suspended close to the earth’s surface,”

"From Saturday, the wind speed began picking up, and by Monday, the air was clean. We expect the AQI range to be between 50 and 60, under the satisfactory category, for the rest of the month," he added. SAFAR has predicted an AQI of 66 (satisfactory) for Tuesday.

On Monday evening, Mumbai witnessed the second round of pre-monsoon showers, accompanied by gusty winds and thundershowers. The Mumbai suburbs received 51 mm rain between 7.15 pm and 11.30 pm, while the Island city and parts of Thane and Navi Mumbai, too, witnessed moderate showers.

The first pre-monsoon showers were witnessed in Mumbai on Saturday, when the city received 25.6 mm rainfall. Meanwhile, the Met department has also predicted similar heavy spells for Tuesday evening, along with lightning and thunderstorm.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 05, 2018 12:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).