Residents of the national capital breathed a little easier on Friday as the city's air quality showed a marginal improvement, moving from the 'very poor' category into the 'poor' bracket. This slight reprieve from hazardous air came even as the city remained gripped by chilly weather, with the minimum temperature recorded at 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Air Quality Index Shows Gradual Improvement
According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was recorded at 290, which falls under the 'poor' category. This marks a notable change from the previous day's AQI of 301, which was classified as 'very poor'. The monitoring station at Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 322, placing it in the 'very poor' zone, while the station at Delhi University indicated an AQI of 263, which is 'poor'.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast shallow to moderate fog for the morning hours on Saturday. The maximum temperature on Friday was expected to hover around 20 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity at 8:30 AM was recorded at 100%, contributing to the dense morning conditions.
Republic Day Preparations Undeterred by Cold
Despite the cold wave and foggy conditions, the final rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day parade continued with full vigor on the Kartavya Path. Security personnel and parade participants braved the low visibility and chilly temperatures to ensure the grand ceremony's preparations remained on schedule. The rehearsals are a critical part of the final run-up to the national event on January 26.
The weather office has predicted that similar cold and foggy conditions will persist. The minimum temperature is likely to range between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius over the next few days. Winds are expected to remain calm, which can sometimes lead to the accumulation of pollutants, making the improvement in AQI a welcome development for citizens and authorities alike.
Understanding the AQI Categories and Health Impact
The shift from 'very poor' to 'poor' air quality, while incremental, is significant from a public health perspective. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', and health authorities advise that sensitive groups, including people with lung or heart disease, older adults, and children, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as 'very poor', which can lead to respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
The improvement, though slight, offers a temporary respite to Delhi's citizens who have been grappling with severe air pollution for several months during the winter season. Environmental experts continue to monitor the situation closely, as weather patterns play a crucial role in the dispersion of pollutants over the Indo-Gangetic plains.
