Delhi air quality: In severe zone, but relief likely today

The air quality is expected to improve further on November 15.

The air quality in Delhi remained in the severe zone late into Monday night with an AQI of 460.

Delhi can expect some relief, with both SAFAR and IMD forecasting slightly better air quality from Tuesday afternoon. A pickup in surface winds and a change in direction would mean pollutants from Punjab and Haryana will not head towards the national capital.

Late on Monday night both PM2.5 and PM10 in the "emergency" category for over 48 hours. Monday was the seventh straight day of city air staying in the "severe" category, with PM2.5 and PM10 at 543 and 367 g/m³, respectively, at 7pm - five-to-six times the safe standard. SAFAR predicted that PM2.5 may fall to 236 g/m³ and PM10 to 371 g/m³ - still in the "very poor" category.

The air quality is expected to improve further on November 15. This is because of increased wind speed and light rain. The IMD has predicted rains in Delhi on Tuesday evening and Wednesday which will further help the particulate matter settle down.

OneIndia News