Delhi woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday as a thick layer of smog enveloped the city, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 278, categorizing it as ‘poor.’ The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that the air quality could worsen, potentially slipping into the ‘very poor’ category between November 6 and 8.
The CPCB reported that Delhi’s AQI stood at 278 this morning, with significant concerns voiced by experts regarding the possibility of further deterioration by evening. They attribute this decline to low wind speeds and increased accumulation of pollutants.
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts that wind speeds may gradually pick up to 15 kmph from the northwest direction during the afternoon. However, wind speeds are expected to fall below 10 kmph by evening, exacerbating the air quality issues. Additionally, the sky is likely to remain predominantly clear, with mist and haze persisting throughout the day.
According to CPCB standards, the AQI measurements classify the air quality as follows: 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and 401-500 is “severe.” Currently, Delhi’s air quality stands on the edge of the ‘poor’ threshold.
This morning, the minimum temperature in Delhi recorded at 12.7 degrees Celsius—2.6 degrees below the seasonal average. Relative humidity heightened to 75 percent at 8:30 am, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 29 degrees Celsius. The weather department has predicted persistent mist and haze throughout the day.
In light of the deteriorating air quality, health experts urge residents to minimize outdoor activities. People should specifically limit their time outdoors during the early morning and late evening hours, when pollution levels peak.
The worsening air quality continues to raise concerns as it affects vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Public health officials emphasize the importance of monitoring air quality levels and adhering to precautions to mitigate health risks associated with pollution.
As the capital grapples with high pollution levels, these conditions serve as a reminder of the critical need for long-term solutions to tackle air quality issues in the city. Community awareness and proactive measures are essential in combating the ongoing air quality crisis.
