Delhi pollution to worsen post Diwali, till then AQI to be in moderate to poor zone

October 23, 2019 1:41 PM | Skymet Weather Team

Delhi pollution level has been in the moderate to poor category for consecutive days as the northwesterly dry winds are moderate in nature. Tomorrow that is on October 24, there are chances that the wind speed will decrease and change in the direction of the wind is likely to take place. During this transition period, the pollutants will cling onto the lower atmosphere and it may cause deterioration in the pollution level over Delhi and NCR.

The high wind speed continues to positively influence Delhi's air quality by favoring high dispersion. A slight decrease in the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Panjab is noticed over the last 24 hr. The surface, as well as boundary layer winds, are forecasted to change direction to easterly by tomorrow afternoon. This will decrease the biomass pollutant share in the Delhi region. The impact factor could be slow wind speed and local pollutant accumulation. No drastic deterioration in air quality is expected for the next two to three days.

As per our experts, the easterlies are likely to strengthen around October 25. During this period, the pollution levels will improve and will continue to prevail until Diwali.

Hence marginal improvement in pollution levels of Delhi and NCR will be seen from October 25 to October 27.

On October 28 and 29, the winds will be light and variable in nature, and thus we will see a spike in pollution levels then. The bursting of Diwali crackers might just deteriorate the condition further. Looks like post-Diwali, the Air Quality Index will be in poor to a very poor zone.

During this period the asthmatic patients are advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

Image Credits – AQI India

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