Yes, you heard that right. According to predictions made by the people at System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), for Thursday, the air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai was recorded at 243; while New Delhi fell lower than its previous days.

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The factors causing this sudden, yet gradual, increase in air pollution for Mumbai is due to the ridge line; essentially a high pressure area that has developed 300km north of Mumbai—this is a common phenomenon that is said to happen in the winter. However, what isn’t so common is the amount of pollution emanating from this ridge line which is causing subsequent low ventilation.

© Reuters

According to Biswajit Mukhopadhyay, Additional Director General, India Meteorological Department, “Owing to low temperatures, these pollutants are trapped closer to the surface.” He adds that the pollution levels will remain at this level till the westerly winds from the sea dilute the trapped pollutants entirely.

Brace yourselves, Mumbaikars. We feel you.