Delhi woke up to another polluted morning on Thursday, with air quality continuing to remain in the ‘very poor’ category even as the weather conditions indicated a possible change in the air later in the day. Alongside air pollution, the city is expected to experience thunderstorm activity, lightning, and strong surface winds.
Air quality remains a concern
According to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was 330 on Thursday. At 8 am, the AQI was 312, which showed only marginal improvement over the severe conditions that existed earlier.
According to data from the CPCB’s Sameer app, 29 air quality monitoring stations in the capital recorded “very poor” air quality, while nine stations continued to be in the “poor” category. Nehru Nagar was the most polluted area in the morning, recording an AQI of 382. According to CPCB standards, AQI values ranging from 301 to 400 are categorised as ‘very poor,’ and values above 400 are labelled as ‘severe.’
Also Read | IAF microlite aircraft force-landed in Prayagraj after technical snag; both pilots safe
Smog blankets parts of the city
A thick layer of smog remained suspended over major areas of Delhi. Pictures from the Akshardham area in Pandav Nagar showed a hazy sky, with the AQI in the vicinity of the temple complex being recorded at 377, which is very close to the ‘severe’ category.
As per the Air Quality Warning System, the air quality in Delhi is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category from January 22 to January 24.
GRAP curbs eased, restrictions remain
The national capital had been experiencing three days of ‘severe’ air quality over the weekend, following which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had imposed Stage IV restrictions on the city under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). After a slight improvement on Tuesday, the commission withdrew Stage IV restrictions, but restrictions under Stages I, II, and III are still in effect.
Also Read | Indian Army responds to Pakistani fire during surveillance setup along LoC in Keran
Weather outlook for Thursday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert in Delhi, which is expected to experience thunderstorms along with lightning, hail, and gusty winds. Wind speed is also likely to reach 40-50 kmph, with isolated spells of 50-60 kmph.
The weather office has forecast a minimum temperature of 8°C and a maximum of 25°C, with moderate fog likely during the morning hours. Rainfall and storm activity are expected to develop later in the day, potentially offering temporary relief from prevailing conditions.
