Rain breather on Nov 25, 26; but long-term relief likely from Nov 28
The pollution level in Delhi inched towards “severe” due to wind losing steam, a dip in temperature and a rise in humidity on Thursday. Dwarka Sector 8 crossed “severe plus category” with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 729, and Anand Vihar recorded seasons’ highest PM 10 at 1,729.
Experts said the situation is likely to worsen in the next 24 hours, while some relief is expected from Saturday.
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Researchn (SAFAR) warned people against outdoor physical activities. “If asthematics, keep relief medicine handy,” said SAFAR in health bulletin.
“The main factors working towards the deterioration of air quality is extremely low wind speed and strong near-surface inversion during the night. Low ventilation is leading to the accumulation of pollutants near the surface,” SAFAR said.
An expert at Skymet Weather, a private forecaster, said moderate winds from November 23 would bring some relief but it will be temporary as another western disturbance from November 25 will again slow dowm wind.
“There are chances of good rain on November 25 and 26. If that happens, pollutants will be washed away. A long-term relief is expected only after November 28,” he said.
The AQI in several parts of Delhi turned severe due to high humidity and calm winds.
The AQI for Rohini (410), Anand Vihar (413), Nehru Nagar (403) and Bawana (404) entered the “severe” zone. Neighbouring Ghaziabad (412) also recorded “severe” pollution levels, while the AQI in Greater Noida (395) and Noida (394) bordered “severe” zone.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), very low wind speed due to a western disturbance and high humidity due to shallow fog in the morning led to accumulation of pollutants.
“There are chances of good rain on November 25 and 26. If that happens, pollutants will be washed away. Otherwise, a long-term relief is expected only after November 28,” MeT said in official statement.
Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, Narela, Rohini, Mundka, Okhla Phase - II, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Karni Stadium tagged under the worst zone in terms of air quality.
Concentration of other gases pollutants - carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and benzene also were high.