Delhi’s air quality deteriorated significantly on Sunday due to calm winds and low temperatures, causing pollutants to linger. The Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed from 316 on Saturday to 382, marking the worst air quality in over nine months, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
Meteorologists from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted mist and smog for early Monday to Wednesday, with air quality expected to stay in the ‘very poor’ range until Wednesday. Experts noted that a shift in wind direction from north-westerly to southeasterly occurred on Sunday, with wind speeds dropping to zero during this transition. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 16.5 degrees Celsius, a seasonal low.
It was said by Mahesh Palawat, vice-chairman of Skymet Meteorology, that winds turned calm, leading to pollutant accumulation. South-easterly winds, expected to persist through Tuesday, were described as “unfavourable for stubble-burning emissions,” though local winds were predicted to stay light, impacting air quality further.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that AQI levels spiked from 366 at 8 a.m. to 382 by 4 p.m., with readings surpassing 400 in 14 locations, including Anand Vihar with an AQI of 436. A statement from the Air Quality Early Warning System noted that “extremely unfavourable meteorological conditions” were expected to hinder pollutant dispersion, with the air quality likely remaining poor through November 6.