Even before Diwali, the air of the capital Delhi has become suffocating. Due to continuous increase in pollution levels, people's problems have started increasing. On Monday morning, the air quality index (AQI) reached very poor category in many areas of the capital. According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before 7 am, AQI was recorded close to 350 in some areas. According to the data, AQI 349 was recorded in the areas around Akshardham Temple and ITO. At the same time, the air quality index around India Gate and Janpath was 335. This level of pollution is considered worrisome for people's health.
Delhi's air deteriorated on the first day of restrictions
New restrictions have been implemented from November 1 to control pollution in Delhi-NCR, but their effect was not visible on the very first day. The air quality of the capital reached poor category on Sunday. After getting relief from pollution for the last two days due to rain, suddenly a big jump was recorded in the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday. This day was the most polluted day in Delhi this season as well as after July 12. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi's average AQI was recorded at 261 on Sunday, while it was 117 a day earlier on Saturday. That means the air quality index increased by 144 points in just 24 hours. At the same time, AQI crossed 300 at 23 out of 57 monitoring centers in Delhi.
Air conditions may worsen this week
According to CPCB, Delhi's air quality is likely to deteriorate further in the coming week. Due to increase in pollution level, the air of the capital can reach very poor category. In such a situation, controlling pollution even before Diwali has become a big challenge for the administration. Earlier on October 21, Delhi's air index was recorded at 245. At the same time, before Sunday, the highest AQI this season was recorded at 261 on July 12. The severity of pollution can be gauged from AQI remaining at 261 even on Sunday.
Six categories of AQI according to CPCB
The Central Pollution Control Board divides air quality into six categories.
0-50: good
51-100: satisfactory
101-200: moderate
201-300: bad
301-400: very bad
401-500: severe
November started with fog and mild cold
November started in Delhi with mild cold and fog. There was fog in many areas on Sunday morning, due to which visibility was below normal. Amidst the change in weather, the minimum and maximum temperatures also remain below normal. According to Meteorological Department data, the minimum temperature of Delhi was recorded at 18 degrees Celsius on November 1, which is 1.9 degrees below normal. This is the lowest minimum temperature on November 1st after the year 2023. Earlier in 2023, the minimum temperature recorded on this date was 16.4 degrees Celsius.
Maximum temperature also below normal
The maximum temperature recorded in the capital on Sunday was 29 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees below normal. This is the lowest maximum temperature on November 1 after the year 2021. In the year 2021, the maximum temperature recorded on this day was 27.2 degrees Celsius. However, compared to the previous day, the maximum temperature recorded an increase of 1.1 degrees Celsius.
Visibility reduced due to fog
Visibility was affected in the capital due to light fog on Sunday morning. Visibility was recorded at 1600 meters in Safdarjung, while it was 1500 meters in Palam near Indira Gandhi International Airport.
No major changes expected in the weather next week
According to the Meteorological Department, there is no possibility of any major change in the temperature of Delhi for the next one week. At present, the effect of mild cold will remain in the capital. In early November, the drop in temperature and morning mist have started making one feel the arrival of winter.
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