Delhi Weather: IMD Predicts Continued Smog As Delhi Chokes On Severe Air Quality

The national capital, Delhi, woke up to a dense layer of fog on Thursday morning, with visibility significantly reduced. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, predicting a maximum of 23.0 degrees Celsius amidst this very dense fog. This foggy start is accompanied by severe air quality, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality index (AQI) registered at a high 423 on Thursday morning, placing it firmly within the 'severe' category.

In recent days, the pollution levels in Delhi have escalated to alarming levels, with Wednesday evening's AQI hitting 448 at 6 pm, edging close to the 'severe plus' category. Out of the city's 36 monitoring stations, a staggering 32 have recorded AQI levels in the 'severe plus' category.

This indicates an extremely hazardous environment for Delhi's residents, with some areas experiencing AQI readings surpassing 480. Notable areas such as Anand Vihar, Bawana, Burari, and Dwarka, among others, are suffering from this heightened pollution, signaling a health emergency that needs immediate action according to CPCB's color-coded warnings.

The air quality scenario in Delhi has been worsening steadily, with the 24-hour average AQI reaching 433 by 4 pm on Tuesday, a significant rise from 379 the previous day. The presence of shallow fog throughout the day, coupled with a pungent smell in the air across several localities, has added to the residents' woes. The maximum temperature hovered around 23 degrees Celsius, slightly above the season's average, yet the evenings have felt unexpectedly colder. The early morning temperature on Tuesday was slightly below the seasonal normal at 7.6 degrees Celsius.

Delhi's air quality nears 'severe plus'

Delhi is currently under the highest level of alert according to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is Stage IV. This stage involves the implementation of the strictest anti-pollution measures, including a halt on construction activities and restrictions on the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into the city.

Delhi AQI

The CPCB's guidelines highlight that an AQI of 400 or more requires urgent intervention. GRAP's categorization system aims to quantify the severity of air quality stages, ranging from Stage I (Poor) to Stage IV (Severe Plus), with the current conditions indicating a serious public health hazard.

In response to the severe air pollution, authorities have emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the prescribed anti-pollution measures under GRAP. The situation necessitates immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects on the city's air quality and ensure the well-being of its residents. The CPCB and IMD continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and advisories to the public as the city grapples with this environmental crisis.