Delhi Air Quality Gets Worse, Stays in 'Poor' Zone

The air in Delhi has become less clean, moving into the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories. This smoggy air is expected to stay for about six days. Warmer weather is here, and some rain might arrive around February 16.
By Newsroom | Delhi, Environment |

A significant decline in air quality has been observed in Delhi, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the "poor" and "very poor" categories. This deterioration is occurring despite the easing of cold wave conditions and warmer temperatures. Forecasters anticipate this trend will continue for several days, raising concerns about public health and the persistent presence of smog.

Delhi AQI alert: Air quality remains `poor` | Check area-wise report - 1

Shifting Air Quality and Forecasted Conditions

Delhi's air quality has shown a noticeable decline in recent days. While there was a period of improved air quality earlier in the week, it has since worsened.

Delhi AQI alert: Air quality remains `poor` | Check area-wise report - 2

  • AQI Fluctuations: Data indicates the AQI has shifted from "moderate" to "poor" and even "very poor." For example, on Saturday, the AQI was logged at 211 ("poor"), a rise from the previous day's 24-hour average of 197 ("moderate"). By Sunday, the AQI had further increased to 221 ("poor"). A few days prior, on Wednesday, the AQI reached 305 ("very poor"), a level not seen since February 4 when it was 339.

  • Area-Specific Issues: At the time of a "very poor" AQI reading, 24 out of 40 monitoring stations reported such levels, and on a separate occasion, five stations reported "severe" air quality while 29 recorded "very poor" (between 300 and 400).

  • Extended Poor Air Quality: Forecasts suggest the "poor" air quality category is likely to persist for approximately six days.

Despite the air quality concerns, weather patterns show a departure from typical winter conditions.

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Delhi AQI alert: Air quality remains `poor` | Check area-wise report - 3

  • Rising Temperatures: Minimum temperatures have been recorded at 9.2°C (a degree below normal) and are expected to hover around 11°C on certain days. Maximum temperatures are rising, reaching 27.5°C and 28.6°C on consecutive days, which is 4.1 degrees above normal.

  • Easing Cold Wave: Delhi has experienced an early easing of winter conditions, with warmer days and nights setting in.

  • Potential Rainfall: Scattered rain is expected after February 16, with weather analysts suggesting that back-to-back "western disturbances" might influence the region around February 17 or 18. A disturbance on the night of February 16 could bring rain to parts of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Categorizing Air Quality

Official standards define the Air Quality Index (AQI) as follows:

Delhi AQI alert: Air quality remains `poor` | Check area-wise report - 4
AQI RangeCategory
0–50Good
51–100Satisfactory
101–200Moderate
201–300Poor
301–400Very Poor
401–500Severe

Expert Observations and Forecasts

Information from various reports indicates a consensus on the current air quality situation and the immediate future.

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  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data and the Sameer app are cited for AQI readings.

  • The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast the persistence of "poor" air quality.

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated above-normal temperatures for the month and predicted weather disturbances.

Key Takeaways and Implications

The current data points to a recurring issue of declining air quality in Delhi, characterized by a return to "poor" and "very poor" AQI levels. This trend is occurring even as temperatures rise and winter conditions recede.

  • Persistent Smog: The combination of pollutants and atmospheric conditions is leading to a noticeable layer of smog.

  • Forecasting Accuracy: The continued reporting of "poor" to "very poor" AQI, coupled with forecasts for similar conditions over the next six days, suggests a predictable pattern in the short term.

  • Potential Relief: The possibility of scattered rain around mid-February is a factor that could offer temporary relief, though the impact of these western disturbances is still under observation.

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Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the air quality like in Delhi now?
The air quality in Delhi has become 'poor' and 'very poor'. This means it is not healthy to breathe.
Q: How long will the bad air last?
Experts think the air will stay in the 'poor' category for about six more days.
Q: Is it still cold in Delhi?
No, the weather is getting warmer. The cold winter days are ending, and temperatures are going up.
Q: Will it rain soon?
Yes, there is a chance of some rain around February 16. This rain might help clear the air for a short time.