Delhi Air Quality Plunges to ‘Very Poor’ Amid Cold Wave
Delhi’s air quality worsened significantly on Monday, entering the ‘very poor’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 354, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city is also grappling with a cold wave and dense fog, as predicted by the weather department.
Key Details
- AQI Level: Recorded at 354 at 9 AM, placing it in the ‘very poor’ zone.
- Temperature: Minimum at 7°C, maximum expected around 19°C.
- Weather Alert: Dense fog and cold wave conditions predicted for North Indian states.
Understanding the AQI Scale
An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor’, which can trigger breathing discomfort for most people on prolonged exposure. The scale ranges from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘severe’ (401-500).
Fog and Cold Wave Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense to very dense fog over the next two days.
“Dense to very dense fog in morning hours very likely in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during 08th-10th January, 2024,” the IMD said in a post on X.
Cold wave conditions are also expected in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
Temperature Dip
Monday’s minimum temperature settled at 7 degrees Celsius. This follows a colder Sunday, where the minimum was 3.5°C—three degrees below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature on Sunday was 19.4°C, also slightly below normal.
The combination of poor air quality and low visibility due to fog is likely to impact daily life and travel in the capital region. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory issues.
