What caused the air quality improvement in Delhi recently?

Strong surface winds of up to 15 kmph helped disperse pollutants, improving Delhi's air quality.

When is Delhi's air quality expected to worsen again?

Air quality is predicted to decline by the end of December and into early January due to meteorological changes.

What is Delhi's current air quality index (AQI)?

Delhi's AQI was recorded at 354 ('very poor') on Tuesday afternoon, improving to 341 by the evening.

Home / Environment / Winds of Change: Delhi Breathes Easier, But for How Long?

Winds of Change: Delhi Breathes Easier, But for How Long?

17 Dec

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Summary

Delhi's air quality improved to 'very poor' due to strong winds.
Pollution levels could worsen again by month-end.
Delhi experienced its second-worst December AQI recently.

Winds of Change: Delhi Breathes Easier, But for How Long?

Delhi experienced a brief respite from severe air pollution on Tuesday as winds of up to 15 kmph helped clear the skies. The Air Quality Index (AQI) improved from "severe" to "very poor" levels, offering a visible change from the dense smog of the previous day. This improvement is attributed to strong westerly to northwesterly winds, with forecasts indicating consistent wind speeds likely until Friday, potentially leading to further air quality enhancement.

Despite the temporary improvement, long-term data analysis suggests that the air quality challenges for Delhi are far from over. Experts predict a decline in air quality towards the end of December and into early January, primarily driven by dropping temperatures, increased fog, and stable atmospheric conditions that trap local pollutants. This pattern is typical for Delhi, with a secondary pollution peak often occurring in late December and early January.