Since the second week of October, the air quality of Delhi starts deteriorating. By the third week of October, most places in Delhi and NCR were experiencing air quality in poor to very poor category. On October 25th and 26th, isolated pockets in Delhi and NCR witnessed severe category of air quality index. Stubble burning in adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana, as well as parts of Central Pakistan have picked up. Minimum temperatures across northern plains including Delhi and NCR are also below normal with light winds flowing. During the last 24 hours, winds over Delhi and NCR were almost calm and light variable.
The pollutants such as smoke particles, dust particles and harmful gases mixed with haze and mist leading to the formation of layers of smog.
Due to the low temperature, the air becomes heavy. In the absence of moderate or strong wind, the layer of smog keeps lingering near the Earth's surface.
Today the AQI for Delhi and NCR is more than 500 at many places, experiencing Hazardous air condition. During this time, all the outdoor activities must be minimized. People should not go for morning and evening walk as well as outdoor exercise, as these will lead to more harm than benefit.
Now the festival of Diwali is around the corner and minimums are expected to fall further, this will certainly worsen the situation. Delhi may convert into a gas chamber. People are advised to avoid outdoor activities, and wear the mask and cover your face. Try to install an air purifier in the house as well as in working and closures.
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