Delhi’s air again ‘severe’, respiratory crisis continues, no relief expected even in next 6 days

The respiratory crisis does not seem to be going away for the people living in Delhi and NCR. The double blow of suffocating pollution and increasing cold continues. Even on Friday morning, Delhi’s air remained very close to the ‘severe’ category, and people had to face another toxic morning.

Delhi’s suffocating condition in figures

• Average AQI: Average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi on Friday (21 November) morning 391 recorded, which is at the upper end of the ‘very poor’ category.
• Many areas became ‘serious’: It is a matter of concern that the air quality reached the ‘severe’ category (above 400) at 18 out of 38 monitoring stations in the city. These include areas like Chandni Chowk, Anand Vihar, Bawana, Mundka and Narela, where breathing is very difficult.
• 7th consecutive day: This is the seventh consecutive day when Delhi’s air remains in the ‘very poor’ category.

What is the meaning of AQI?

• 0-50: good
• 51-100: satisfactory
• 201-300: bad
• 301-400: very bad
• 401-500: Serious

Why did the situation worsen and what next?

According to officials, due to drop in temperature and reduced wind speed, pollutants have accumulated near the ground and are not able to be removed. The dense fog prevailing in the city has further aggravated this problem, due to which visibility has also reduced significantly.

The most worrying thing is that the forecast of the Ministry of Earth Sciences is not of any relief:

• Prediction: Delhi’s air quality may worsen further and reach ‘severe’ category in the coming days.
• Next 6 days: The air quality is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category for the next six days.

Weather patterns: cold and fog also increased

Along with pollution, cold is also showing its effect.

• temperature: The minimum temperature on Thursday is about one degree less than normal. 11.4°C were recorded. The minimum temperature is expected to be around 12 degrees on Friday also.
• Fog forecast: The Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to light fog in the morning on Friday and weekend.
• How will the weather be on the weekend: The minimum temperature over the weekend is likely to be between 10-12°C and the maximum temperature is likely to be between 25-27°C.