Delhi’s air quality improved slightly on Monday, returning to the ‘poor’ category after a brief spell in the ‘very poor’ range over the weekend. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 212 at 9 AM on Monday, a significant improvement from the 302 recorded at 4 PM on Sunday.
The improvement in air quality was attributed to isolated rain and an increase in wind speeds over the weekend. Meteorologists explained that while the wind speed on Saturday was less than 8 km/hr, it picked up to 15 km/hr on Sunday, which helped in dispersing the pollutants in the air. Additionally, the rain helped settle particulate matter, contributing to a temporary reduction in pollution levels.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Meteorology, explained that the deterioration to ‘very poor’ levels on Sunday was due to the lack of wind on Saturday, which allowed pollutants to accumulate. With the improved wind speed and rain, the air quality saw a drop in AQI levels, though it remained in the ‘poor’ category.
Alongside the air quality changes, the capital also saw a dip in temperatures. Delhi’s minimum temperature stood at 8.2°C on Monday, a degree below normal but slightly higher than Sunday’s minimum of 7.4°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a further dip in temperatures, with the minimum expected to drop to 6°C between Tuesday and Thursday, as a result of the prevailing western disturbance and fresh snowfall in the plains.
Meteorologists are predicting that the wind direction will shift to northwesterly from Tuesday onwards, bringing with it a further drop of 1-2°C. Some weather stations in Delhi may begin to record cold wave conditions during this period. According to IMD, a “cold wave” is declared when the minimum temperature is at least 4.5°C below normal and the temperature falls below 10°C.
This comes after Delhi’s AQI dipped into the ‘very poor’ category for the first time since November 30, with the city’s AQI touching 233 on Saturday, 197 on Friday, and 165 on Thursday.
Residents of Delhi are advised to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory conditions, as the city continues to experience fluctuating weather and air quality.
Sources By Agencies
