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Delhi's Air Quality Improves Amidst Chilly Weather
28 Jan
Summary
- Delhi's air quality improved to 'poor' category following recent rainfall.
- Minimum temperature rose by four degrees to 12.6°C, expected to drop.
- Stage 2 of GRAP remains active; Stage 3 measures could be invoked if AQI reaches 400.
Delhi's air quality saw a notable improvement on Wednesday, transitioning to the 'poor' category, a day after experiencing rainfall across much of the city. This shift occurred as the minimum temperature increased significantly, settling four degrees above normal at 12.6°C, a rise from Tuesday's 8°C. However, the India Meteorological Department forecasts a subsequent dip, with temperatures potentially reaching around 7°C by Thursday and plunging further to approximately 5°C by Saturday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) averaged 260 at 9 am Wednesday, a decrease from the 'very poor' 336 recorded the previous afternoon. Projections indicate the AQI will likely stay within the 'poor' range through Thursday before deteriorating into the 'very poor' category by Friday. Consequently, Delhi-National Capital Region continues under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Further tightening of measures under Stage 3 of GRAP, which includes halting private construction and restricting BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles, could be implemented if the AQI is predicted to reach 400.
