Why Does Delhi’s AQI Remain in the ‘Poor’ Category?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) The air quality across the Delhi-NCR region continues to be categorized as ‘poor’ this Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) escalating to 267, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Inhabitants of the area are also experiencing a significant shift in weather patterns, with many feeling unseasonably warm for February.
Based on the data from the CPCB, numerous locations have reported ‘very poor’ AQI readings. For instance, Anand Vihar noted an AQI of 317, Ashok Vihar at 328, Bawana 333, Chandni Chowk 291, DTU 283, Dwarka Sector-8 252, IIT Delhi 228, ITO 277, Jahangirpuri 314, Mundka 357, Narela 344, North Campus 234, Rohini 335, Wazirpur 339, while IGI Airport (T3) recorded 192.
In the adjoining area of Noida, air quality also remains poor at various points. Noida Sector-125 has an AQI of 307, Sector-62 at 224, Sector-1 at 236, and Sector-116 at 263.
The AQI classification indicates that a score between 0 and 50 is viewed as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that on February 10, the maximum temperature in Delhi may reach approximately 25 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could hover around 10 degrees Celsius. Mist is expected during the early hours. The meteorological department has also indicated that no significant changes in weather are anticipated from February 11 to 15.
On February 11, Delhi is projected to record a maximum temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius, with morning mist. Similar conditions are likely on February 12, with temperatures fluctuating between 23 and 11 degrees Celsius. For February 13, the maximum is expected to be around 24 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain near 11 degrees Celsius.
The warming trend is expected to persist into the weekend. On February 14, temperatures may peak at 25 degrees Celsius, and by February 15, the city could experience daytime temperatures of around 26 degrees Celsius, with minimums rising slightly to 12 degrees Celsius. Mist is predicted to continue throughout this period, and currently, there are no weather warnings in effect.
According to broader weather predictions, about 90 percent of the nation is likely to experience dry conditions, with minimal precipitation expected only in hilly regions. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand might see light snowfall in isolated areas, while the majority of plain regions are forecasted to remain free of rain.
In regions such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, the skies are set to stay mostly clear, though wispy high-altitude clouds may be visible. Rainfall isn’t anticipated, although a few isolated areas in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bihar’s Terai region might encounter very light drizzle, with probabilities remaining low.