Delhi Pollution: Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category for the second consecutive day this week. The AQI was recorded at 264 on Wednesday at 6 am, according to the CPCB. There has been slight improvement in the AQI as it has improved from ‘very poor’ category of the last week. Rain accompanied with thunderstorm will lash national capital on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alert for thunderstorm and lightning. The maximum and minimum temperatures over Delhi are in the range of 21 to 24°C and 10 to 11°C respectively.
AQI Across Delhi
Anand Vihar (312), Rohini (301), Ashok Vihar (292), Bawana (314), ITO (313), Jahangirpuri (294), Najafgarh (258), Patparganj (289), Vivek Vihar (298), R K Puram (279), Shadipur (174).
The improvement in air quality has been attributed to better weather conditions, including stronger winds, according to forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
AQI Forecast For Coming Days
Experts have predicted that light showers will provide temporary relief from the city’s ongoing pollution by settling dust particles and slightly improving air quality. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System For Delhi the air quality is likely to be in Poor category on 21 January. While for the next 6 Days, the air quality is likely to be in ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’ category.
Delhi Pollution: Will Showers Bring Relief?
When residents will get relief from deteriorating air pollution is a question that keeps lingering. While there is no definite answer, experts say that favourable meteorological conditions like rain and surface winds can impact AQI. According to them, rain can help improve the air quality as precipitation washes away pollutants from the air. These pollutants are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which are considered as major contributors to the worsening air quality. Rain can lead to temporary reduction in the concentration of these harmful particles in the air.
However, experts also say that extent of improvement depends on the duration and intensity of the rain. While heavy rain is likely to have more impact, light showers offer a temporary improvement.
