Delhi AQI slips to ‘poor’ category from Wednesday, pollution levels to rise | Today’s news
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 31.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while the air quality in the national capital is expected to deteriorate to the poor category from Wednesday, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System.
The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 179 on Tuesday, placing it in the medium category. However, forecasts indicate that pollution levels are likely to increase in the coming days as the winter pollution season approaches.
Air quality in Delhi is likely to remain poor till October 23
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi’s AQI is expected to enter the poor category from Wednesday and remain there till October 23. The outlook for the next six days also suggests that air quality is likely to continue in the poor category.
The system noted that adverse weather conditions could hinder the spread of pollutants. A ventilation index of less than 6,000 square meters per second together with an average wind speed of less than 10 km/h is considered unfavorable for pollutant dispersion.
Delhi last recorded poor AQI on 13 July
Delhi’s air quality last slipped into the poor category this season on July 13, when the AQI reached 246.
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If the latest forecast holds true, Wednesday will be the capital’s first day of poor air quality in 100 days, signaling a possible worsening of pollution levels ahead of winter.
How is AQI classified in India?
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI is classified into six categories based on pollution levels.
Meanwhile, Safdarjung, the city’s base weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 31.8 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 17.7 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees below normal.
Palam recorded a maximum temperature of 29.3 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees below normal, and a minimum of 17.3 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees below normal.
At Lodhi Road, the maximum temperature was 31.4 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees below normal, while the minimum was 17 degrees Celsius, in line with the seasonal average.
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The Ridge recorded a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees below normal, and a minimum of 18.5 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal.
In Ayanagar, the maximum temperature settled at 31 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees below normal, while the minimum was 18 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal.
According to the India Meteorological Department, no rainfall was recorded at any of the five weather stations between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm on Tuesday.
(With inputs from news agency PTI)
