Delhi and its surrounding areas experienced a slight relief in air quality on Monday, attributed to light showers and favorable wind conditions associated with a western disturbance impacting northwest India. The Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded 7.2 mm of rainfall by 8:30 pm, contributing to a wind speed of 20 kilometers per hour. This enhanced wind speed facilitated the dispersion of pollutants, leading to a marginal improvement in air quality.
At 10 pm, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) measured 387, showing an improvement from 395 at 4 pm and 400 at 9 am. The AQI, an average of readings from the past 24 hours, provides a comprehensive view of air quality trends.
Notably, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 395 on Sunday, 389 on Saturday, 415 on Friday, 390 on Thursday, 394 on Wednesday, 365 on Tuesday, 348 on Monday, and 301 on November 19. The AQI scale categorizes air quality, with values between 301 and 400 considered ‘very poor.’ The recent improvement signifies a positive shift from the city’s previous air quality conditions.
Earlier in the day, Delhi grappled with reduced visibility due to a thick layer of smog, with visibility dropping to 600 meters at 8 am at the Safdarjung Observator.
November has witnessed 10 severe air quality days in the national capital, marking an increase compared to the same period last year when only three severe air quality days were recorded. In 2021, Delhi experienced 12 severe air quality days in November, representing the highest count for the month since monitoring began by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As Delhi navigates its air quality challenges, the recent relief brought by light rainfall underscores the complex interplay of weather conditions and their impact on the city’s atmospheric conditions.
