New Delhi – Delhi’s annual pollution season has already begun, with the Delhi AQI slipping into the “moderate” category and marking an early warning of harsher days ahead. On Saturday, the air quality index in the national capital was recorded at 169, a sharp rise from the 120 noted just a day earlier. This marked the worst level since June 14 and brought the familiar smoggy conditions back into the city after several months of relative clarity.
Grey Haze Returns To The Capital
Residents woke up to a sky blanketed with grey haze, signaling the return of troubling air conditions. Experts noted that the shift in Delhi AQI is a reminder of the cyclical problem the city faces each year. The haze was not only a visual concern but also a signal of worsening particulate matter levels in the atmosphere.
Cause Of Rising Pollution Levels
According to officials, the sudden spike in Delhi AQI on Saturday was largely triggered by a cyclonic circulation. This weather system pulled dust into the city, aggravating pollution levels and making the environment heavier with suspended particles. Such meteorological activities often influence the city’s air, and this episode once again showed how natural forces combine with existing urban pollution to degrade air quality.
Delhi AQI Categories Explained
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes air quality based on AQI readings. Levels between 0 and 50 are marked “good,” 51 to 100 “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 “moderate,” 201 to 300 “poor,” 301 to 400 “very poor,” and anything above 401 is “severe.” With Delhi AQI at 169, the city currently falls under the “moderate” category, but this is a clear indication of worsening trends as the winter months approach.
Worst Since Mid-June
Saturday’s levels were the highest since June 14, when the city last experienced significant pollution buildup. The fact that Delhi AQI crossed 150 after several months underscores the seasonal nature of the crisis. The early signs are being taken seriously by residents and environmental bodies, as past years have shown how quickly levels can slip from “moderate” to “severe.”
Weather Forecast And Its Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi would continue to witness partly cloudy skies in the coming days. The forecast for Sunday suggested a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum around 25 degrees. On Saturday, the maximum temperature was slightly higher at 37.2 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above normal for the season. Minimum temperature settled at 25.7 degrees Celsius, also above average. Relative humidity was recorded at 54 percent in the evening. Weather fluctuations, combined with pollutants, will likely dictate how the Delhi AQI changes in the coming days.
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Seasonal Pattern Of Pollution
Every year, Delhi enters a familiar cycle of worsening pollution as autumn transitions into winter. The onset of stubble burning in neighboring states, combined with local emissions and changing weather patterns, worsens the Delhi AQI significantly. While this time the immediate cause was a cyclonic circulation pulling dust, residents and experts alike anticipate the larger pollution season will intensify soon.
Health Implications Of Rising AQI
Though categorized as “moderate,” Delhi AQI at 169 can still cause health discomfort. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, are particularly at risk. Prolonged exposure can result in irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs. Public advisories often suggest avoiding long outdoor activities during such periods and using protective measures when necessary.
Monitoring The Trend
Authorities emphasized the importance of closely monitoring daily AQI levels as the season progresses. Saturday’s figure has sparked concern that the capital might already be on its way to more toxic air days. With the forecast indicating partly cloudy skies and possible temperature drops, conditions could encourage the trapping of pollutants, thereby pushing Delhi AQI higher in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
The coming days will reveal whether Delhi’s pollution levels stabilize or worsen sharply. With the annual cycle of stubble burning and temperature drops approaching, the current situation might just be the beginning of another season of severe smog. For now, all eyes remain on how the Delhi AQI shifts and what steps authorities will take to prepare residents for the months ahead.
