Delhi's Air Quality Sees Marginal Improvement, Remains in 'Very Poor' Category
Delhi's air quality registered a slight improvement on Tuesday morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the 'very poor' range after two consecutive days of 'severe' levels. This change brought a small relief to residents battling hazardous pollution.
Current AQI Readings and Monitoring Station Data
According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall AQI stood at 395 at 8:00 am. A total of 23 monitoring stations out of 38 still recorded 'severe' AQI levels on Tuesday. NSIT Dwarka reported the best AQI at 300 on January 20.
Delhi Weather Forecast and Temperature Trends
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided the latest weather forecast for Delhi. They predicted a partly cloudy sky with shallow to moderate fog during morning hours. The maximum temperature is likely to range between 23°C to 25°C, while the minimum temperature will be between 07°C to 09°C.
The minimum temperature will be near normal, but maximum temperatures will be above normal by 1.6 to 3.0 degrees over Delhi. A marked increase in temperature was observed on Monday, with no cold wave alert in place for today or the coming days.
Safdarjung, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 7.7 degrees on Monday. The weather office forecasted no significant change in minimum temperatures over northwest India during the next two days. However, they predicted a gradual rise in temperature today and tomorrow by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall Predictions and Western Disturbances
IMD noted that three Western Disturbances in quick succession are likely to cause a wet spell over the Western Himalayan region. Predicting precipitation over adjoining plains of northwest India, IMD said in its latest press release:
"Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall is likely during January 22nd to 25th. Thunderstorm activity accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) is expected during January 22nd to 24th."
The IMD further noted the possibility of rain in Delhi on January 23. A layer of smog shrouded parts of Delhi NCR, with visuals from ITO and the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple area in Pandav Nagar indicating low visibility.
Neighbouring States and Air Quality Measures
For the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, IMD predicted dense to very dense fog conditions for the coming one to two days.
On Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This action was taken due to deteriorating air quality conditions.
The battle with air pollution continues despite the marginal improvement. Residents remain concerned about health impacts as authorities implement measures to address the ongoing crisis.
