Delhi shivers as temperature drops to 5°C, air quality remains 'poor'

The national capital once again experienced an extremely cold wether on Friday as temperatures dropped sharply with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting the mercury level at 5°C.

Light rain and smog reduce visibility

Besides the cold, there was light rain in several parts of the city that also fell during winter. On the other hand, the chill factor contributed to poor air quality levels as a thick blanket of smog engulfed many parts of Delhi which also hindered visibility greatly.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was 280 which puts it in the ‘poor’ category.

There was drastic drop in air quality in many parts of the city with some areas going down to the ‘very poor’ category. Anand Vihar had the highest AQI of 385 amongst the worst-affected areas.

Several areas recorded 'very poor' air quality

Nehru Nagar had an AQI of 392 and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range had 360 AQI. Other places of high pollution include Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 354, Jahangirpuri at 340, Dwarka Sector 8 at 346, Chandni Chowk at 335, Ashok Vihar at 328 and ITO and Ferozeshah Road both having AQI of 307.

As a consequence of extensive pollution, very few places were able to show air quality that was better, though still worrisome, to some extent. The AQI AT the terminal 3 of IGI airport showed the index number of 252, which is categorized as ‘poor’.

Almost the same figure was recorded in Alipur (280), Aya Nagar (299), Bawana (276), Burari Crossin g (278), CRRI Mathura Road (299), and Delhi Technological University (DTU) at 289.

The AQI classification indicates that values in the range of 201 to 300 are regarded as ‘poor’, while 301 to 400 are categorized as ‘very poor’, thus, creating a situation of serious health risks, particularly for the high-risk people.

IMD forecasts light rain across many parts of Delhi

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very light rain for different areas of the National Capital Territory (NCT).

The areas where rain is most probably to occur are Preet Vihar, ITO, India Gate, Akshardham, Safdarjung, Lodi Road, Nehru Stadium, Vasant Vihar, RK Puram, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Vasant Kunj, Hauz Khas, Malviya Nagar, Kalkaji, Mehrauli, Tughlakabad, Chhattarpur, IGNU, Aya Nagar, and Deramandi.

Although only light rain or drizzle is expected in those places, other areas such as Mundaka, Paschim Vihar, Rajouri Garden, Buddha Jayanti Park, President's House, Rajeev Chowk, Jafarpur, Najafgarh, Dwarka, Delhi Cantonment, and IGI Airport may witness similar precipitation.

Authorities advise caution amid cold and pollution

The weather scientists stated that rain has the potential to drop dust particles but were quick to point out that the prevalent conditions of still air and about 80% humidity have enabled the retention of pollutants in the atmosphere.

The local authority has consequently urged the public to refrain from engaging in any outdoor activities, especially during the morning and evening hours, as air quality would be worst then.

This includes wearing warm clothing, using masks when outdoors, staying indoors when possible, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and keeping windows closed to reduce pollution exposure.