Delhi residents woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday, as a thick cover of smog enveloped the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a concerning 278, placing the air quality in the ‘poor’ category. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, pollution levels are expected to worsen, with predictions that they may slip into the ‘very poor’ category between November 6 and 8.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the national capital’s AQI stood at 278 this morning. Experts caution that air quality could further deteriorate by evening due to low wind speeds and an increase in pollutant accumulation.
The Early Warning System forecasts that wind speed may gradually pick up, reaching 15 km/h from the northwest direction during the afternoon. However, it is forecasting a drop below 10 km/h as evening sets in. The sky is expected to remain mainly clear, albeit with persistent mist or haze.
The CPCB classifies air quality as follows: 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” and 401-500 “severe.”
As the morning unfolded, the minimum temperature in Delhi settled at a chilly 12.7 degrees Celsius, which is 2.6 degrees below the seasonal average. Humidity at 8:30 am stood at 75 percent. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around a comfortable 29 degrees Celsius, while the weather department predicts mist and haze throughout the day.
Health officials strongly advise residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening hours when pollution levels peak. As alarming air quality levels persist, efforts to mitigate health risks are imperative.
