Delhi’s Air Quality Remains In ‘Poor’ Category Ahead Of Diwali, Ghaziabad Hits ‘Very Poor’ Levels | Check IMD Forecast

Delhi-NCR Air Quality: With Diwali approaching, Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, remaining in the ‘poor’ category for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, October 18. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 268, signalling persistent pollution concerns ahead of the festive season.

Visuals show hazy skies and significantly reduced visibility across the national capital and adjacent cities, caused by high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants. The poor air quality comes on the auspicious day of Dhanteras and just two days before Diwali, with AQI expected to worsen further in the coming days.

On Friday, October 17, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 254 after registering 245 on Thursday, 233 on Wednesday, and 211 on Tuesday. Before the steady rise, the air quality in the national capital had stayed within the ‘moderate’ range.

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Ghaziabad Air Quality Dips To Very Poor Category

As per the CPCB data, Ghaziabad experienced its poorest air quality on Saturday, October 18, with an AQI of 324, categorising it as “very poor”. The city had remained in this “very poor” range for three straight days, following AQI readings of 307 on Thursday and 306 on Friday.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as “good,” 51 to 100 as “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” and 401 to 500 as “severe,”the CPCB data stated.

The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) on Saturday warned that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category from Saturday to Sunday. “The air quality is very likely to be in the poor category from Saturday to Sunday. The air quality is very likely to be in the upper end of very poor category on Monday in case of additional emissions from firecrackers. The outlook for the subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in the poor category becoming upper end of very poor category on Tuesday,” the AQEWS stated.

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Delhi Weather Update

The national capital on Saturday recorded a maximum and minimum temperature of 33.5 and 19.6 degrees Celsius respectively. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday forecasted smog or shallow fog in several parts of the city during Sunday morning hours.