Air quality in Delhi was at “poor” on Thursday morning, while mercury could drop to as low as 5C, while a high of 17C is expected.
The hourly air quality index (AQI) at 7 a.m. was 263, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. On Wednesday, the average 24-hour AQI was 186, putting it in the ‘moderate’ category.
AQIs between 0 and 50 are considered “good”, 51 and 100 are considered “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.
On Thursday, the Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research System said foggy conditions and low temperatures and low mixing layer heights hindered effective ventilation of pollutants, resulting in the AQI being in the “poor” category for two consecutive days. “Starting on the 29th [Saturday] , the AQI may improve due to the gradual increase in daytime temperatures, which promotes vertical mixing and dilution of near-surface pollutants.” Wednesday’s minimum temperature was 5.8 degrees Celsius, three notches lower than normal, and the maximum temperature was 16.4 degrees Celsius, which was lower than normal. Normally six degrees lower.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
