Residents of the national capital woke up to another day of hazardous air on Sunday, as Delhi's air quality plunged into the 'very poor' category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 307, marking a significant deterioration after a brief period of improvement earlier in the week.
Wind Slowdown Triggers Pollution Spike
The recent decline in air quality follows a temporary respite. On January 1, the AQI was a concerning 380, firmly in the higher end of the 'very poor' spectrum. However, strong and consistent winds helped disperse pollutants, bringing the index down to 236 on Friday and 267 on Saturday. Unfortunately, as these winds lost their intensity, the toxic haze began to build up once again over the city.
Data from monitoring stations painted a grim picture. Out of the 37 active stations across Delhi on Sunday, a staggering 24 reported air quality in the 'very poor' range. The situation is not expected to change soon. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air is likely to remain 'very poor' until January 7 and for six days thereafter.
Foggy Mornings and Below-Normal Temperatures
The city also experienced reduced visibility due to mist during the early hours of Sunday. The Safdarjung and Palam observatories reported the lowest visibility of 1300 metres at 8 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the possibility of shallow to moderate fog during the early morning hours over the next few days. However, the department has not issued any colour-coded warning for the same.
Accompanying the poor air was a noticeable chill. The maximum temperature on Sunday settled at 17.3 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below the normal for this time of year. The minimum temperature was recorded at 7.4 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. A Met official stated that maximum temperatures are likely to stay 1 to 3 degrees below normal over the next 48 hours, with a slight rise of 1-2°C expected on January 6. Minimum temperatures are predicted to be near normal, except on January 6.
What This Means for Delhiites
The combination of 'very poor' air quality and foggy conditions poses a dual health and logistical challenge. Authorities advise citizens, especially those with respiratory issues, to:
- Avoid prolonged outdoor activities, particularly in the early morning and late evening.
- Wear N95 or equivalent masks when stepping outside.
- Keep windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes.
The coming week will be crucial as meteorological conditions are not favorable for significant dispersion of pollutants, keeping the capital in the grip of poor air.
