Delhi's air quality took a noticeable dip on Tuesday morning as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 201 at 8 am, falling in the 'poor' category. The Center's Early Warning System indicated that conditions are likely to worsen by October 16, with the air quality breaching the 300 mark. Meanwhile, Delhiites will see clear weather with no forecast for rain for the next 4 to 5 days.
On Monday, the air quality deteriorated marginally, with the 24-hour average AQI touching 167 ("moderate") at 4 pm. The minimum temperatures were in the range of 17-19°C, and the maximum temperatures were in the range of 29-33°C over Delhi. No large change in maximum and minimum temperatures in the last 24 hours. Additionally, westerly winds prevailed with wind speeds up to 15 kmph.
Air pollution in Delhi is on the rise after the post-monsoon monsoon and just ahead of winter's arrival. It has been steadily rising from 191 on Saturday, 167 on Sunday, to 185 on Monday. The unprecedented pollution spike has been attributed to a variety of factors, including dense fog and poor air conditions.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), many areas in Delhi breached the 200 AQI mark. The air quality in Anand Vihar was recorded at an alarming 374 under the 'very poor' category.
Wazirpur (261), Bawana (259), Mathura Road (248), Dwarka (248), Jahangirpuri (248), Shadipur (245), Siri Fort (238), Mundka (222), Narela (218), Rohini (212), Alipur (212), Punjabi Bagh (207), Vivek Vihar (207), Burari (206), Nehru Nagar (203), RK Puram (201)
Delhi will wake up to a mainly clear sky until October 19, with no forecast for rain, thunderstorms, or lightning.