The air quality in the city deteriorated slightly in the past 24 hours, but remained in the “very poor” category on Friday with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 339. On Thursday, AQI was 314. Agencies have forecast it to touch the higher end of the “very poor” category on Diwali day, even if no firecrackers are burst.
However, if additional emissions are added through firecrackers, Delhi’s air could turn “severe” on November 15. The capital may get relief almost instantly with a spell of light rain expected on the evening or night of November 15. This would bring down pollution the next day.
Meanwhile, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) pegged the share of stubble burning in Delhi’s bad air at 14% on Friday, spiking from just 2% on Thursday. While wind direction was easterly on Thursday, it switched to northwesterly and was likely to increase the contribution of stubble burning over the next two days.
“Air quality is predicted to deteriorate and remain in the higher end of the very poor category in the absence of additional emissions due to fireworks. The stubble burning-induced impact on AQI is expected to increase from negligible to moderate for the next two days,” said SAFAR. Since AQI is measured by Central Pollution Control Board over a 24-hour period, generally a spike in pollution on Diwali day is reflected the next day. According to SAFAR, peak pollution levels on Diwali could be between 1am and 6am if firecrackers are burst.
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