Delhi residents are bracing for a chilly week ahead, as minimum temperatures are expected to drop to 5°C, and dense fog continues to blanket the city during the early hours. On a positive note, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) showed slight improvement, moving from the “very poor” category to “poor” with an AQI reading of 296 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Air Quality Sees Marginal Improvement
Delhi’s air pollution levels, which had been in the “very poor” category last week, showed a minor improvement on Tuesday. The AQI, recorded at 296, marked a decline from Monday’s 335, which was categorized as “very poor.” The improvement is attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including an increase in wind speed, as per officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
While restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been lifted, Stage 1 and Stage 2 curbs remain in place to tackle air pollution. Residents are advised to take precautions as an AQI between 201-300 is categorized as ‘poor’, which may cause health issues for sensitive groups.
Weather Forecast: A Cold Wave Ahead
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures in the capital are expected to plunge further. By Friday, minimum temperatures may drop to a frigid 5°C, signaling the onset of severe winter conditions.
The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 16.2°C, which is 2.8 degrees above the seasonal normal. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature stood at 10.5°C, about 3.6 degrees above the average, with relative humidity levels ranging between 87% and 92% throughout the day.
Fog Disruptions in Delhi
Thick dense fog disrupted visibility and transportation early on Tuesday. Visibility at Palam dropped to 150 meters between 5:00 and 5:30 am due to the northwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 11-13 km/h. This later improved to 700 meters as the fog eased into shallower conditions by 8:30 am.
At the Safdarjung observatory, minimum visibility stood at 500 meters, causing delays in transportation. Notably, 25 trains were delayed due to the reduced visibility, adding to the challenges faced by daily commuters.
Day Outlook and Predictions
The weather office predicts mainly clear skies with cold day conditions persisting in some areas. Smog and moderate fog are expected during most parts of the day, with isolated regions likely to experience dense fog during early morning hours.
What This Means for Delhi Residents
Residents are advised to take precautions as the combination of low temperatures and air quality can affect health. To stay safe:
- Limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and late nights when air pollution and fog are at their peak.
- Use air purifiers indoors to mitigate the effects of poor air quality.
- Wear warm clothing and keep essentials ready to combat the cold wave.
- Check visibility reports if commuting during early morning hours to avoid disruptions caused by fog.
Key Air Quality Terms Explained
- AQI 296 (“Poor”): May cause discomfort for sensitive groups such as children, elderly, or those with respiratory issues.
- Very Poor (AQI 301-400): Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illness.
- Severe (AQI 401-500): Health effects may be experienced by everyone, even those not sensitive to air pollution.
Looking Ahead
With air quality improving and temperatures dropping, Delhi is experiencing a dynamic weather phase. While residents can expect a clearer sky in the coming days, the cold conditions and dense fog will require preparation. Stay updated with weather reports and air quality updates to plan your days effectively.
