Delhi's air remains 'very poor' for 4th day as winds slow
Delhi's air remains 'very poor' for 4th day as winds slow
Delhi's air stays in the 'very poor' category for a fourth day as winds weaken, with several monitors in the severe zone and forecasts predicting little relief ahead.
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category for a fourth straight day on Tuesday, as forecasters warned that winds are set to weaken due to a western disturbance, potentially worsening conditions. At 9am, the 24-hour rolling average AQI stood at 311, slightly higher than yesterday's 309, with several active stations already in the 'severe' zone including Alipur (421), Anand Vihar (412), Bawana (402) and Wazirpur (407).
The CPCB's categorization places 301-400 as 'very poor' and over 400 as 'severe'. Meteorological experts said wind speeds are expected to drop sharply on Tuesday and remain nearly calm on Wednesday, a pattern that could keep the AQI in the 'very poor' range through the next few days. The Early Warning System has forecast the AQI to stay in the 'very poor' category on both days, while the Decision Support System's estimated PM2.5 contributions have not been updated since Monday, with IITM not commenting on the delay.
Delhi has not recorded a 'severe' air day since December 23, 2024, when the AQI hit 406, but officials warn that persistent emissions and light winds could push conditions higher if the weather pattern does not shift.
Cover image source: Farm fires, a court rap, and a marathon trolled: AQI chokehold tightens in Delhi 🔗
