Strong Winds, Light Rain to Improve Delhi’s Air Quality; ‘Moderate’ AQI a Possibility by December 17

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), Delhi’s overall AQI stands at a ‘very poor’ 337 today. The morning was misty and the skies clear, while the maximum and minimum temperatures for the day were pegged at 23 and 8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

As of 1:30 pm this afternoon, the highest AQI within Delhi was recorded in the Anand Vihar locality at 399, which falls just short of ‘severe’. Other areas such as Punjab Bagh (382), Dwarka-Sector 8 (365), Chandni Chowk (358), Mandir Marg (327) and Aya Nagar (317) also recorded ‘very poor’ AQIs.

AQIs between 301 to 400 are categorised as 'very poor', and prolonged exposure to such toxic air could result in respiratory illnesses. Further, AQIs between 201-300 are classified as 'poor', 101-200 are 'moderate', 51-100' satisfactory', and 0-50 'good. On the other hand, 401-500 are categorised as 'severe', and such high AQIs can affect healthy people while seriously impacting those with existing diseases.

The Air Quality Early Warning System reported that predominant surface winds from the northwest, speeding at 5-12 kmph, will enter Delhi today. By tomorrow, December 16, the winds will be relatively stronger, picking up pace and reaching 8-15 kmph.

Furthermore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its weather bulletin, has predicted that Delhi-NCR might witness very light rain or drizzle by Thursday evening or night, accompanied by partly cloudy skies and shallow fog in the morning.

Meanwhile, the government bodies have continued their efforts to ensure that the air pollution levels are brought under control. Recently, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) carried out the re-inspection of 1,636 industries in Delhi to check the use of fuel or Piped Natural Gas (PNG), and found that all operating units are now complying or using the latter as fuel, the report read.

The use of non-cleaner fuels in the industries of either the capital or its adjoining regions affects the air quality adversely, and have contributed to 9.9-13.7% to air pollution in the national capital between October 24 and November 8 this year.

In light of this information, the switch to clean fuels is the step in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen if the industries in neighbouring states will follow suit and convert to using more environment friendly fuel alternatives.

(With inputs from IANS)

**

For weather, science, and COVID-19 updates on the go, download The Weather Channel App (on Android and iOS store). It's free!