National capital territory has been witnessing pollution levels oscillating between poor to severe since last week of October. During that time, the nature of winds was light and variable. Then, the temperatures dropped around 15-16 degree-Celsius. This led to formation of mist and haze during morning hours.
Dust particles, smoke particles as well as smoke from stubble burning in neighboring states have been increasing pollution. In the absence of strong winds, the pollutants remained suspended in lower atmosphere near the earth surface.
On November 4, due to moderate winds coming from east, Delhiites witnessed a slight relief from pollution. However, these easterly winds increased the levels of humidity and on November 5, the flow of cold northwesterly winds from snow-clad mountains led to formation of fog.
This subsequently turned into smog with the mixing of pollutants. Now, the winds at lower levels are blowing from west but at mid-levels, the northwesterly winds are bringing smoke from stubble burning taking place in regions of Punjab and Haryana.
The pollutants carried by mid-level winds gradually subside and mixes with the local pollution of Delhi-NCR. Thus, bringing down the air quality of Delhi to severe category. No change is expected until tomorrow.
On November 7, smoke from burning firecrackers would further add to pollution levels. Moreover, because of an approaching Western Disturbance, westerly and northwesterly winds would change the direction and speed of winds would also become light in nature.
Therefore, the pollutants would not move away, and the air quality might get dragged from severe to hazardous category. Post Deepawali, for the coming 3-4 days, the air quality would further deteriorate, and the inhabitants are advised to spend their long weekend over the hills in order to escape from bad air.
Image Credit: Quartz
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