Delhi Breathes Slightly Better Air After Nine Days Of ‘Very Poor’ Spell; Experts Warn Of Fresh Spike In Pollution | Forecast

Delhi Air Pollution: After nine consecutive days of ‘very poor’ air, Delhi recorded a marginal improvement in pollution levels on Tuesday, with the citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping below 300. The 24-hour average AQI was 282 at 4 PM, compared with 314 on Monday. The last time Delhi’s AQI fell out of the ‘very poor’ band was on November 30, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows.

Officials, however, cautioned that the improvement may not last, as weather conditions in the coming days could push pollution back into the ‘very poor’ or even ‘severe’ range.

Delhi AQI: Forecast Indicates Possible Deterioration

The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that pollution levels are likely to worsen through the week. Stronger winds on Tuesday helped disperse pollutants, but meteorologists expect a drop in minimum temperatures by 2-3 degrees over the next few days. Night-time temperatures may fall to around 6 degrees Celsius, raising the likelihood of increased biomass burning for heating.

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Mohammad Rafiuddin, Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), said the slight improvement was mainly due to favourable wind speed. He urged authorities to curb open burning and advised citizens to follow GRAP rules and wear masks.

Delhi AQI: Key Pollution Sources And Monitoring Data

According to the Decision Support System for Delhi, vehicular emissions remained the largest contributor to local pollution on Tuesday at 17.1 per cent. Industrial activities accounted for 8.3 per cent and domestic sources 4.1 per cent. The same trend is expected on Wednesday.

While station-wise data on the CPCB’s Sameer app was delayed, morning readings showed 18 monitoring stations in the ‘very poor’ category and 20 in the ‘poor’ range.

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Delhi Weather Conditions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a maximum temperature of 25.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Humidity levels ranged from 79 per cent in the morning to 52 per cent in the evening. For Wednesday, the IMD forecasts partly foggy conditions, with temperatures likely between 8 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius.

(With Inputs From PTI)