Pollution levels in and across Delhi and NCR are ranging between very unhealthy and hazardous levels for the past couple of days. These conditions are attributed to the wind changeover i.e. during the reversal of the winds, these winds become light in nature before the changeover.
These wind conditions do not let the pollution levels lift up easily, which is why the effect remains prolonged and an increase in the air quality index is seen. At the moment, a Cyclonic Circulation is seen over Pakistan and adjoining areas due to which, winds will now be changing.
There are two factors, with increase in humidity, pollution levels tend to increase and the increase in northwesterly winds also cause an increase in levels as polluted smoke from stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana come in through the air. Meanwhile, southeasterly winds are a counter to this and give some relief but they usually tend to increase humidity and at times reduces the wind speed.
Today, we expect winds to be easterlies today, but these levels will not change because winds aren’t strong enough to cause a change in the pollution levels.
The winds are expected to pick up pace after 2-3 days, which may have caused a change in pollution levels. However, on account of Diwali firecrackers adding to the smoke and pollution levels in the air, there does not seem like a relief in the pollution levels, particularly this entire week.