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New Delhi: Residents in the national capital have been experiencing chilly mornings marked by smog and haze. Today, skies are expected to remain mostly clear, according to the forecast. The minimum temperature is likely to hover around 19 degrees Celsius, adding to the crispness of the morning air.
Weekly Weather Forecast for Delhi
For the coming days in Delhi, residents can expect predominantly clear skies with slight temperature variations. Maximum temperatures will range between 32 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will hover around 19 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Winds will shift from southeast to northwest across different periods, with speeds varying from 6 to 12 km/h. From October 30 onward, mist is likely in the morning hours, gradually giving way to clear skies as the day progresses. Temperatures are expected to be around seasonal norms, with no significant weather impacts anticipated.
Delhi's AQI Update
As per the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall AQI of the national capital stood in the 'Very poor' category on Saturday.
After four days of remaining "very poor", Delhi's air quality improved on Friday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading 270 due to favourable wind speed, putting it in the "poor" category. The AQI levels in Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, and Wazirpur were recorded in the "very poor" category on Friday, even as 32 monitoring stations recorded "poor" air quality. In the neighbouring Greater Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad, the air quality was better at "moderate" category.
However, experts cautioned that the relief may be short-lived, as pollution levels are expected to rise again in three days due to changing weather conditions.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
What's Behind the Slight Improvement of AQI
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), Delhi's AQI improved to the "poor" category driven by a sudden change in wind direction and speed. The wind shifted from northwest to east and southeast. Similar wind conditions are expected over the next one to two days, but the pollution levels may rise again in three-four days due to unfavourable weather conditions, with the AQI likely to touch 400 by October 31, AQEWS said.
What's Driving Pollution in Delhi
During the winter months, Delhi experiences a severe spike in pollution driven by a combination of factors such as low wind speed, dropping temperatures, high moisture levels, and the presence of pollution particles that act as surfaces for condensation.
(WIth agency inputs)