New Delhi: The air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the second consecutive day in Delhi at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 367. Calm wind conditions at night affected the dispersion of pollutants.VK Soni, head, environment and research centre, IMD, said, “The air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category till February 15 due to strong winds. However, the wind speed suddenly slowed down from February 16. While calm winds are blowing in the night leading to accumulation of pollutants, light wind during the day time is not aiding in the dispersion of pollutants.” He added that due to a change in wind direction to south-easterly, there has been an increase in moisture affecting air quality.Track the pollution level in your cityMet officials said a wind speed of 4 to 8 kmph was recorded on Saturday, but the wind speed of 10 kmph or above helps in better ventilation. “Though air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category till Monday, significant improvement is expected from Tuesday,” said Soni.Central Pollution Control Board’s data shows that the AQI was 190 in the ‘moderate’ category on Wednesday. AQI deteriorated to 270 in the ‘poor’ category on Thursday and further to 367 on Friday. Before this, a ‘very poor’ day was seen on January 29 with a reading of 331 on the index. In February 2022, four ‘very poor’ days were recorded.According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday and Monday, but it is likely to improve and reach in the lower-end of the ‘very poor’ category. The air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’ category in the subsequent six days.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-aqi-likely-to-remain-very-poor-till-monday/articleshow/98055204.cms