Delhi Pollution levels were in the severe range until January 12. Thereafter, moderate dry and cold winds commenced from northwest direction which reduced the humidity levels and led to the disappearance of shallow fog. Due to these changes, pollution levels also decreased.
Usually, pollutants such as dust particles, smoke particles and another particulate matter tend to mix with water vapour available in the air in the form of mist and fog, thereby leading to pollution. Whenever winds are light and are combined with low temperatures, pollutants remain confided near the Earth's surface. This was exactly the case until January 12.
However, this relief was short-lived only for three days between January 13 and 15. Since last evening, speed of winds have decreased. Also, today saw a change of wind direction from northwesterly to easterly and south-easterly. This has led to a rise in humidity levels over the area. As a result, shallow to moderate fog has reappeared. Ultimately, all these changes in atmosphere have resulted in increased pollution levels allover Delhi-NCR. Now, we further expect pollution to increase which might even reach ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ levels at many places of the region.
There may be a marginal relief on January 18, but this again will be short-lived and pollution may continue to choke Delhiites. However, a significant relief is in sight around January 21 or 22 when Delhi will get rain and thundershower activities. It is being expected that pollutants will get washed away due to rains and air will become clear.
Image Credits – India Today
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