It is that time of the year when Delhi pollution haunts everyone as air pollutants start making their way to the National Capital Territory. However, so far, Delhiites have been saved from this fury.
Although stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana had commenced in the last week of September, on and off rains have not allowed air quality to deteriorate much.
The reason can be attributed to the easterly and southeasterly winds, blocking the way of stubble particulate from reaching Delhi and NCR.
However, since the last 48 hours, a change has been noticed in the wind pattern as winds from west/northwest direction have started to take a charge over Delhi and NCR. Despite this, there have been some factors that have not allowed air pollution to increase much and thus the air quality is settling between 'moderate to satisfactory' category in the region at present.
Generally, the following factors contribute to air pollution:
1.Low temperatures leading to the formation of mist and haze
2.Light variable or calm winds
3.High humidity
However, at present, the temperatures are high with minimums settling between 22 and 23 degree celcius. Moreover, humidity is on the lower side along with moderate winds.
All these factors have saved Delhiites so far from experiencing bad air quality.
According to our meteorologists, these moderate north-westerlies would continue for another 24 to 48 hours. Thereafter, due to the formation of a Trough in the lower levels over the northern plains, wind direction would once again change to easterly and southeasterly. Thus, we do not expect much increase in pollution until October 15 or 16 in Delhi and NCR.
Image Credits – NDTV
Any information taken from here should be credited to Skymet Weather