Delhi residents woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday, grappling with deteriorating air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 278, categorizing it as ‘poor’. Authorities warn that conditions may worsen further, pushing pollution levels into the ‘very poor’ bracket around November 6 to 8.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) confirmed that the AQI in the national capital stood at 278 early today. Experts predict that air quality could decline by the evening due to low wind speeds and a buildup of pollutants. “Low wind speeds contribute significantly to the accumulation of pollutants, particularly during this time of year,” said an official from CPCB.
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts a gradual increase in wind speed to 15 kmph from the northwest in the afternoon, before it dips below 10 kmph by the evening and night. The sky is expected to stay mainly clear, though mist or haze is likely to linger throughout the day.
The CPCB uses specific classifications to define air quality levels. An AQI of 0-50 is labeled “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” while 301-400 indicates “very poor,” and anything over 401 is classified as “severe.” Given today’s figures, Delhiites find themselves in the unsettling ‘poor’ category.
Recent weather data reveals that the minimum temperature in Delhi settled at 12.7 degrees Celsius — a significant 2.6 degrees below the seasonal average. Humidity levels were reported at 75 percent at 8:30 AM, contributing to the uncomfortable atmosphere. The maximum temperature is anticipated to hover around 29 degrees Celsius, with the meteorological department predicting persistent mist and haze.
In response to the alarming air quality, health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening hours when pollutants are at their peak. “It is crucial for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, to stay indoors as much as possible,” said a leading environmental scientist.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to remain informed about air quality levels. With a combination of weather patterns and pollution sources, Delhi’s struggle against air quality issues appears far from over.
