Delhi-NCR air pollution persists as no rain is forecast
The India Meteorological Department predicts no rainfall in the national capital between November 10 and 15, offering little relief from poor air quality.
Air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR are likely to continue for the coming days, according to a report by India Today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that no rain will fall in the national capital between November 10 and 15.
As of 6 am, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was 311, categorised as very poor. Several monitoring stations reported readings near the 400 mark, which is classified as severe. Chandni Chowk recorded the highest AQI at 400, followed by Pusa at 398 and NSUT Jaffarpur at 384.
Other areas with high pollution include the Commonwealth Sports Complex at 380, Sirifort at 375, and Talkatora Garden at 373. Mathura Road recorded 372, while IIT Delhi, Aya Nagar, and Burari Crossing reported levels of 361, 360, and 364 respectively.
An approaching Western Disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region starting tonight, but the IMD stated there is no indication of direct rainfall for Delhi. Wind speeds are forecast to stay low, generally between 5 and 15 kmph.
Temperatures are not expected to drop sharply. Maximum temperatures are predicted to stay within the 27 to 30 degrees Celsius range, while minimum temperatures are likely to stay between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius until November 15.
A Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) report noted a 2.9 per cent improvement in air quality the morning after Diwali, with the AQI dropping to 371 from 382. However, that reading was still the highest recorded for that morning in a four-year comparison.