Slight relief in Delhi’s air quality, yet pollution and cold hold firm

Delhi experienced a slight enhancement in air quality on Wednesday morning, providing minor relief to residents, although pollution levels continued to stay in the “poor” category.

Data from the Sameer app indicates that the national capital’s overall AQI decreased to 269, compared to 310 on Tuesday. Despite this reduction, the air quality remained unsatisfactory, with a significant portion of the city still blanketed by noticeable smog.

Areas with highest pollution

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According to official records, 28 air-monitoring stations across Delhi registered “poor” air quality, whereas 9 stations continued to fall under the “very poor” category.

The most concerning air quality levels on Wednesday morning appeared from Dwarka’s NSIT (324) and Bawana (319), indicating severely deteriorated air conditions.

Many parts of the city including Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Nehru Nagar, Pusa, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirpur, showed pollution levels above 300 on the AQI scale, placing them in the “very poor” range. Meanwhile, just three locations including Aya Nagar, IGI Airport (T3), and Mandir Marg, reported cleaner, “moderate” air.

Rapid fluctuations in air quality

On Tuesday, Delhi’s morning AQI was 292, which is still in the “poor” category. Areas like Akshardham, Ghazipur, and Anand Vihar had moved into the “very poor” range with readings near 319, showing how quickly pollution levels can change because of weather and the buildup of pollutants.

Cold weather adds to the challenge

While pollution continues to linger, Delhi is also expecting a noticeable intensification of winter conditions, as reported by IANS.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thick fog and a cold wave for Wednesday, cautioning that visibility will decrease and temperatures will fall sharply.

The forecasters predict that the lowest temperature will get as low as 7 degrees Celsius, thus creating very cold conditions especially during the early morning and night time.

The IMD also mentioned that the temperature during the day is probably going to be around 25 degrees Celsius, which means that even though it will be warmer during the day, the mornings will still be cold.

Smog, cold winds, and low temperatures are expected to last a bit longer in Delhi, hence the city inhabitants are likely to suffer another tough week as the winter pollution is strengthening its hold over the city.