New Delhi – Delhi AQI improves moderate as the national capital experienced a welcome respite from deteriorating air quality on Sunday. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index recorded in the ‘moderate’ category at 189 at 4 pm, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This improvement came as a relief for residents after three consecutive days of ‘poor’ air quality, with Saturday’s average AQI recorded at 227.
Temporary Relief Attributed to Strong Winds
The Delhi AQI improves moderate development has been primarily attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, particularly strong wind patterns that helped disperse accumulated pollutants. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather, explained the phenomenon: “For the past two to three days, strong westerly and northwesterly winds, reaching speeds of 30–35 kmph, helping disperse pollutants.”
However, experts emphasize that while Delhi AQI improves moderate currently, this improvement represents a temporary reprieve rather than a sustained trend. Weather patterns are expected to shift in the coming days, potentially reversing the positive air quality gains experienced over the weekend.
Western Disturbance to Impact Wind Patterns
The Delhi AQI improves moderate situation faces challenges ahead as meteorological conditions evolve. Palawat warned about an approaching western disturbance that will significantly impact Delhi’s air quality trajectory. “Another western disturbance is reaching Delhi and will impact the wind patterns until February 11 or 12, reducing their velocity,” he stated.
This reduction in wind velocity represents a critical factor for air quality deterioration. Strong winds play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants and preventing their accumulation in the atmosphere. When wind speeds decrease, pollutants tend to concentrate, leading to worsening air quality conditions.
Forecast Predicts Return to Poor Category
Despite the positive news that Delhi AQI improves moderate temporarily, the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has issued a sobering forecast for the coming week. According to the AQEWS bulletin, the current improvement is short-lived, with air quality expected to deteriorate back to the ‘poor’ category soon.
“The air quality is likely to be in the ‘poor’ category from February 9 to 11, with similar conditions expected over the next six days,” the bulletin stated. This forecast suggests that while Delhi AQI improves moderate now, residents should prepare for declining conditions within days.
Wind Speed and Direction Changes
The forecast also highlights specific meteorological changes that will impact air quality. “Wind speeds will decrease, with northeasterly winds of up to 5 kmph after Monday evening,” according to the AQEWS bulletin. This dramatic reduction from the current 30-35 kmph winds to just 5 kmph represents a significant change that will limit pollutant dispersion capacity.
Palawat elaborated on the wind pattern dynamics: “Easterly winds are likely to start soon, reducing wind speed and rising temperatures.” The shift from strong westerly and northwesterly winds to slower easterly winds will fundamentally alter Delhi’s atmospheric conditions, making it more difficult for pollutants to disperse effectively.
Temperature Variations and Climate Factors
The Delhi AQI improves moderate situation occurs alongside specific temperature conditions. On Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded the minimum temperature at 10.2°C, approximately 0.8°C above normal, while the maximum stood at 24.4°C, around 1.1°C above normal.
These temperature readings provide context for understanding why Delhi AQI improves moderate temporarily. Palawat explained the temperature dynamics: “The temperature was not rising due to cold winds coming from the Himalayas. However, the maximum temperature may increase over the next week.”
Expected Temperature Rise
The IMD forecast indicates that maximum temperatures will marginally rise over the coming week, reaching 24-26°C by February 14. This temperature increase, combined with reduced wind speeds, creates conditions less favorable for air quality maintenance.
Palawat noted additional complexity in weather patterns: “Sometimes induced cyclonic formations also develop over Punjab and Haryana, causing a change in wind direction.” These regional weather phenomena can significantly impact Delhi’s air quality by altering wind patterns and pollutant transport mechanisms.
Understanding AQI Categories
The transition from ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’ represents a meaningful improvement in air quality. While Delhi AQI improves moderate at 189, this still indicates air quality concerns, though less severe than the ‘poor’ category recorded at 227 on Saturday. The ‘moderate’ category suggests air quality is acceptable for most people, though sensitive individuals may experience minor breathing discomfort.
Implications for Residents
Although Delhi AQI improves moderate currently, residents should remain cautious about outdoor activities, particularly those sensitive to air pollution. The forecast warning of deteriorating conditions suggests the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.
Long-term Air Quality Challenges
The cyclical pattern where Delhi AQI improves moderate temporarily before worsening again highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent air quality standards. The dependence on favorable meteorological conditions for pollution dispersion underscores the need for sustained emission reduction efforts beyond weather-dependent improvements.
As Delhi AQI improves moderate today, experts and authorities emphasize the temporary nature of this relief and urge continued vigilance as conditions are expected to deteriorate in the coming days.
