"Improvement in Delhi's AQI, Temperature will drop by 2-3 Degrees in 4 days," says: Met Officials

Delhi's AQI reaches 237, minimum temp. reaches 10.1 Degree Celsius


New Delhi: After severe pollution days seen in the national capital, the AQI (Air Quality Index) has been improved due to a favourable wind speed. The AQI reaches 237 at 4 pm on Wednesday.

 

The NCR has also been experienced in improvement in the AQI. Neighbouring places like Faridabad (188), Ghaziabad (229), Greater Noida (154), Gurgaon (185) and Noida (186) has recorded a decrease in their AQI.

 

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

 

The Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality forecast agency SAFAR said the improvement in the air quality was "higher than expected, implying that (air pollution) control measures are yielding results".

 

SAFAR also stated that moderate wind speed is likely to increase ventilation over the next four days.

 

However, a gradual decrease in temperatures will lead to a drop in the mixing height -- the vertical height in which pollutants are suspended in the air -- in the coming days, it said.

 

The mixing height reduces on cold days with calm wind speed.

 

Mahesh Palawat, Vice President (Meteorology and Climate Change), Sky Met Weather, said moderate wind speed will help improve the air quality further.

 

Cold north-westerly wind will commence from Friday after a Western Disturbance affecting the hilly region recedes, causing the minimum temperature to drop by two to three degrees Celsius, he said.

 

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.1 degrees Celsius, a notch more than normal.

 

The minimum temperature is likely to drop by two to three degrees Celsius over the next three to four days, the Met office said.

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