Delhi’s AQI Continues To Remain ‘Very Poor’; Gopal Rai Says ‘Next 15 Days’ Will Be ‘Crucial’

New Delhi: The city experienced some relief from air pollution on Friday(October 25) but pollution levels have since rebounded and are expected to worsen over the next few days. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 346 on Sunday, which falls in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Morning haze persisted in the capital, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted clear skies throughout the day.

Sunday's weather forecast predicts a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 19°C, with relative humidity ranging between 59 percent and 68 percent.

Delhi Weekly Weather Forecast

For the upcoming week, Delhi is expected to see clear skies. From October 28 through November 1, conditions will remain mostly clear, with maximum temperatures ranging between 33 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures between 18degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.

What Led To Sudden Improvement Which Was Short-Lived?

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), Delhi’s AQI improved to the ‘Poor’ category on Friday due to a sudden shift in wind direction and speed, which changed from northwest to east and southeast. These conditions are expected to continue for the next day or two, but pollution levels may rise again in three to four days, with the AQI possibly reaching 400 by October 31.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Air Pollution

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, emphasized that the next 15 days are critical in addressing North India’s air pollution crisis. Rai recently participated in a key meeting with central government officials, including Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bhupendra Yadav, along with environment ministers from neighboring states. The meeting aimed to assess the region’s deteriorating air quality and discuss solutions. Rai noted an uptick in stubble burning incidents in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, which poses a significant risk to air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas.