Delhi Air Quality Dips to Poor; Rain Offers Hope

New Delhi experienced its fourth day of poor air quality this month as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 229 on Wednesday. The situation had previously improved following rain from October 24 to 27 after a streak of poor air days from October 21 to 23. The Graded Response Action Plan's stage I was imposed on October 21. However, a slowdown in winds on Wednesday led to the AQI's deterioration, with Vivek Vihar recording the highest pollution at 313. Stubble burning contributed minimally to PM2.5 levels.

Forecasting suggests a moderate air quality is likely to persist from Thursday to Saturday. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for light to very light rain across most areas, with moderate rain possible in isolated spots on Thursday. This rainfall is predicted to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 50 kmph. Light rain is also expected on Friday. A weather official noted that maximum temperatures are expected to drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the next two days due to rain and cloudiness, before potentially rising by 2-3 degrees thereafter. The maximum temperature on Wednesday was 31.8 degrees Celsius, and it is forecast to range between 26-28 degrees Celsius on Thursday and 27-29 degrees Celsius on Friday. The minimum temperature, which had recently hit a seasonal low, is expected to rise over the next two days.