POLLUTION

New Year, Old Hazard: Delhi’s ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality Likely To Worsen Due to Dense Fog This Week

Monday, December 2: Delhi has begun the New Year on a cold note, with its nighttime temperatures dipping as low as 5.5°C on Sunday before climbing up to 8°C on Monday. While the frigid weather is already keeping Delhiites on their toes, there are more demons the national capital must fight: fog and air pollution.

Delhi's AQI (Air Quality Index) was almost consistently very poor through last week, with experts hoping for an improvement in the coming days. And just this morning, Delhi's overall AQI (Air Quality Index) stood at 239 — hovering in the 'poor' category. However, relief — relative as it was — was short-lived.

The city's air quality had deteriorated further by 12 PM when it registered an AQI of 312, putting it in the 'very poor' category. The PM 2.5 and PM10 concentrations were at hazardous levels of 135 and 211 units.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

For the next three days, calmer surface wind speed of less 12 km/h and temperatures ranging between 19°C and 4°C will likely worsen the air quality, said the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research. However, a relatively higher mixing layer height is likely to help in the dispersion of pollutants.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave conditions are very likely in Delhi until January 5.

Meanwhile, the foggy weather is also likely to contribute to the falling AQIs. Light winds and high moisture near the surface over the Indo-Gangetic plains will likely produce dense fog in some pockets of Northwest India over the next 2-3 days.

In view of these less-than-ideal conditions, the IMD has issued a yellow watch (meaning 'be updated') over Delhi-NCR for the subsequent days.

Some safety measures to protect yourself from frigid temperatures include drinking plenty of warm fluids, eating a diet rich in Vitamin C, keeping your skin moisturised using oil or cream, and wearing warm clothes before stepping out. However, people with respiratory problems are advised against going out unless absolutely necessary.

Going out in the fog should also be avoided unless strictly necessary. Driving very slowly, using low-beam headlights and honking at appropriate times are also recommended.

Prolonged exposure to poor air quality may lead to respiratory illnesses. And because the AQI is in the very poor category, sensitive groups are advised against indulging in outdoor physical activities, while asthmatics need to keep their medicines handy. Everyone else must avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stop any activity level if they experience unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. Keeping your windows closed is recommended.

**

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

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives.