Delhi air quality improves after rainfall, still in poor category

New Delhi : After light showers and robust winds graced Delhi and NCR region, the air quality has improved on Saturday, although it remained within the 'poor' category. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi stood at 213 (poor) as of 7 am on Saturday, showing betterment from the previous day's reading of 279 (poor) at 4 pm on Friday.

It is expected to improve on Saturday, strong winds, with speeds possibly reaching 18 km/hr, are expected to contribute to further enhancements in the AQI, according to officials. Although a slight reduction in wind speed is foreseen on Diwali day (Sunday), it is projected to hover around 8-10 km/hr, maintaining favorable conditions for air quality improvement.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Friday revealed a significant decrease in the hourly PM 2.5 concentration, reaching as low as 37 micrograms per cubic meter at 6 am—a level comfortably below the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic meter. This contrasts sharply with the peak PM 2.5 levels recorded at 488 micrograms per cubic meter on November 5, marking the fourth consecutive day of Delhi experiencing 'severe' air quality.

The downpour on Friday also led to a noticeable drop in Delhi's maximum temperature, recorded at 22.7°C—seven degrees below the norm and the lowest November maximum since November 29, 2019, when it was 22°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a gradual temperature increase in the coming days, with the maximum expected to stay below 30°C over the next seven days.