Delhi’s air quality has remained in the “very poor” category for the fourth day in a row on Tuesday. This concerning trend is expected to continue, with meteorological experts warning that the situation could deteriorate further. Wind speeds are predicted to drop significantly due to an approaching western disturbance, leading to increased pollution levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am on Tuesday was recorded at 311, a slight increase from the previous day’s reading. The Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi anticipates that the AQI will stay in the “very poor” category through Thursday.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI levels, with 301-400 being “very poor” and above 400 being “severe.” Currently, several monitoring stations in Delhi, including Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Wazirpur, are reporting “severe” air quality.
While some stations indicate moderate pollution levels, data from certain locations has shown inconsistencies, possibly due to missing readings. Experts like Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather suggest that the combination of reduced wind speed and increased moisture in the air will contribute to haze and higher pollution.
Navdeep Dahiya, another meteorologist, anticipates a fresh layer of smog on November 4 and 5 due to the western disturbance. While moderate rains are expected in parts of Punjab and Haryana, the chances of rain in Delhi are low. A potential improvement in air quality is forecast from November 6 onwards as strong northwesterly winds return and night temperatures drop.
Delhi experienced a maximum temperature of 31.5°C on Monday. Temperatures are expected to remain mild, between 28-30°C, on Tuesday and Wednesday due to overcast skies, with a further dip expected from Thursday as colder winds arrive. The minimum temperature is also predicted to fall below 15°C by Thursday.
Historically, northwesterly winds have facilitated the transport of stubble smoke from Punjab and Haryana to the Delhi-NCR region. While stubble burning’s contribution to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels was recorded at a low 3.5% on Sunday, it has been higher in previous years, peaking at up to 35% in early November.