AQI recorded at 390; concentration of pollutants nearly five times the safe limit
Air quality in Delhi worsened on Monday and inched closer to the ‘severe’ category with a sharp rise in the level of particulates through the day, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Nearing ‘severe’ level
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi on Monday was 390, on a scale of 500. This is classified as ‘very poor’, which comes with the warning that people may develop respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. The ‘severe’ category starts from an AQI of 401 and above. On Sunday, the AQI was 351.
The dip in air quality on Monday was reflected in the concentration of pollutants in the air. Levels of PM2.5 and PM10 reached 276 and 455 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3), respectively, in the afternoon. The safe limit for PM2.5 and PM10 is 60 and 100 ug/m3 respectively.
The rise in pollution levels have been attributed to low minimum temperatures and high moisture levels that create ideal conditions for the creation of smog as particulate matter get trapped close to the surface. Slow winds have also aided the rise in the AQI score.
The dense smog reduced visibility and blocked out the sun throughout the day leading to a fall in the maximum temperature, which was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius. The minimum was recorded at 8.3 degrees Celsius.
The MeT department has forecast partly clear skies on Tuesday with mist in the morning. It has also forecast rain in the next 48 hours that may help improve air quality. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be between 23 and 11 degrees Celsius respectively.
