Dust Storm Leaves Delhi Engulfed in Haze As AQI Turns ‘Poor’; Improvement Unlikely Until May 19

Strong, dust-raising strong winds since early Tuesday morning considerably increased particulate matter concentration in the national capital, forcing Delhiites to wake up to a hazy horizon with dust particles permeating the air around them.

The capital’s pollution levels have since increased gradually as the day has progressed. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at a ‘moderate’ 176 around noon, slipped to a ‘poor’ 271 by 5:00 pm.

Widespread dust has also reduced the visibility at IGI Airport to 1,000 metres.

As per SAFAR data, the AQI at Lodhi Road was reported at 225, while it was 259 and 249 in Pusa and Mathura Road, respectively. PM 10 levels were also quite high, with most stations in the city recording the pollutant at 'very poor' levels.

For reference, 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'.

In fact, the latest forecasts suggest dust storms or dust-raising winds will likely continue impacting isolated pockets of Delhi, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and some parts of Punjab from Tuesday to Thursday (May 16-18).

In line with this prediction, SAFAR expects Delhi’s AQI levels to remain 'poor' on Wednesday and Thursday (May 17-18), and show marginal improvement on Friday, May 19.

The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms in the capital and its neighbouring northwestern plains during this time frame, although it remains to be seen whether the wet weather will play a role in lowering Delhi’s pollution levels.

(With inputs from IANS)

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