Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR remained in severe to hazardous category between November 8-12. But, due to recent scattered rain and thundershower activities on November 13-14, pollution levels have gone down. There has been an improvement in the air quality, but it is still in very poor to severe category.
As per experts, presently most of the places have moderate levels of pollution. PM 2.5 is in poor category and PM 10 is in moderate category. An AQI (Air Quality Index) 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". Anything above that is considered "hazardous".
Since early morning, light winds have been blowing from east northeast direction, thus immediate spike in pollution levels is not expected. However, local pollutants like vehicular emissions, industrial wastes etc. may contribute to pollution. But, due to recent rains, contribution of loose dust particles is less.
The Western Disturbance is now moving away eastwards, thus dry and cool winds from northwest direction will prevail from November 16 onward. These winds will continue to prevail for another 48 hours. Wind speed will be around 10-15km/hr which will further help in improving pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
Another Western Disturbance is seen around November 18, but this system will be short lived and will not do much to increase the levels of pollution.
Image Credit: The Week
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