Delhi woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday, November 2, as a thin layer of smog blanketed the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a concerning 278, categorizing it as ‘poor’. Experts from the Air Quality Early Warning System predict a further decline in air quality, forecasting levels to slip into the ‘very poor’ category from November 6 to 8.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) confirmed that Delhi’s AQI stood at 278 this morning. Experts warn that air quality is likely to deteriorate further by evening due to low wind speeds and heightened pollutant accumulation.
The Early Warning System forecasts that wind speeds may gradually increase up to 15 km/h from the northwest direction during the afternoon. However, a drop below 10 km/h is expected by evening and night. The sky should remain primarily clear, though mist or haze will likely linger.
According to the CPCB’s AQI classification, scores indicate the following levels: 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’. Today’s readings place Delhi firmly within the ‘poor’ category.
On Thursday, the minimum temperature in the capital settled at 12.7 degrees Celsius, which is 2.6 degrees below the seasonal average. Humidity levels also represented a significant concern, standing at 75% at 8:30 am. The maximum temperature is expected to level off around 29 degrees Celsius, as meteorological predictions indicate mist and haze throughout the day.
In light of the deteriorating air quality, health experts recommend that residents limit outdoor activities, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. The recommendation aims to minimize exposure to elevated pollution levels, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
The surge in pollution levels over the last few days aligns with seasonal changes and increased particulate matter from vehicles and construction activities in Delhi. As the national capital faces ongoing air quality challenges, the government and environmental agencies strive to implement measures to mitigate these pressing concerns.
