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Rains Bring Relief: Tricity AQI Shifts From Poor to Good
10 Feb
Summary
- Widespread rains in early February significantly improved Tricity's air quality.
- January saw persistently 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' AQI levels across Chandigarh.
- Pollution levels dropped markedly after early February rainfall and thunderstorms.
Following widespread rains in early February, the Tricity region has experienced a significant improvement in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) now ranging from 'Moderate' to 'Good'. This marks a welcome change from January, which was characterized by persistently 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' AQI levels across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Multiple monitoring stations recorded substantial drops in pollution after light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms occurred between February 1st and 4th. These weather events effectively removed particulate matter through wet deposition and enhanced wind dispersion, leading to AQI readings dropping below 150 by mid-week.
Experts attribute the poor air quality experienced in January to winter temperature inversion, low wind speeds, and reduced solar heating, which trap pollutants near the ground. Sources of pollution include vehicular emissions, construction, and industrial activities. Historically, the Tricity area sees air pollution peak during the post-monsoon and winter seasons.
