Generally, during October end and early November, haze or smoke haze starts appearing in the plains of Northwest India. Delhi-NCR region is easily one of the worst affected parts of the country due to higher population density and skyrocketing pollution levels.
Moreover, in Punjab and parts of Haryana, paddy stubble burning starts during this time of the year. Farmers in these states burn plant debris from rice farms in order to quickly prepare the fields for Rabi plantation. Despite the sincere efforts of the government, illegal stubble burning is a widespread practice in these parts of the country. The burning of plant debris begins around late October and continues till November.
The smoke and dust particles remain suspended in the lower atmosphere, closer to the Earth’s surface, and cause what we call haze or smoke haze. Stubble burning causes environment pollution and has an adverse effect on soil fertility. It also leads to serious medical problems like breathing problems, allergies, and even asthma attacks. As we get closer to the festival of Diwali, the density of haze increases, especially post-Diwali.
As reiterated by Skymet, we’re currently in the transition phase, heading from Monsoon to the post-Monsoon period. Gradually, temperatures across the country will start dropping. Though days will remain warm and sunny, conditions will be much cooler at night.
Due to clear skies during this time of the year, and due to longwave radiation emissions, the ground cools down and causes air close to the surface of the Earth to condense leading to hazy and misty conditions. When dust and smoke particles along with pollutants get trapped in the air, a blanket of haze covers the Delhi-NCR region for many days.
Light winds do little to deal with the haze over a particular region. Only rains from a significant Western Disturbance or strong surface winds can push the thick layer of haze away.
(Featured Image Credit: Photoshelter)
