Air pollution over Delhi and NCR has increased significantly during the last week. The air quality index of Delhi and adjoining areas is in a very poor category. Nehru Nagar, Jahangirpuri, Bavana, Mundka, and Sultanpur are some of the areas where air pollution is very high. The main reason for the sudden spike in pollution levels can be attributed to a drop in minimum temperature as well as calm and very light winds. The winds over Northwest India remain mostly calm.
Due to the low temperature and the light winds mist and haze usually develop during the morning hours. And the pollutants including dust and smoke particles get deposited on the water vapour available in mist and haze. In the absence of moderate or strong winds, pollutants do not disperse and remain suspended near the earth's surface for a longer duration. That is the reason the air quality index is in the very poor category.
We do not expect any significant improvement in the AQI in the coming days either as the pollutants are not able to disperse and more and more local pollution is being added we expect that the AQI may become severe in the next 2 to 3 days.
It is advised not to do intense outdoor activities during morning and evening hours. Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. If the room has windows, close them.