Delhi-NCR keeps combating `very poor` air quality, AQI still around 370

The National Capital Region sees no respite from the severe air pollution as the air quality remains in critical condition.

Delhi-NCR woke up to a foggy Monday morning with its minimum temperature settling at 10 degrees celsius and an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 370, which is likely to deteriorate further from December 1 due to change in wind speed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has pegged the maximum temperature at 27 degrees Celsius.

This entire week, the maximum and minimum temperatures have hovered around 27 and 10 degrees celsius, respectively with foggy mornings. The relative humidity at 8.30 a.m. stood at 97 per cent. On Sunday, the relative humidity at 7.30 p.m. was recorded at 69 per cent.

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', then 401 and between 500 is considered 'severe'.

On the air quality front, the level of PM 2.5 and PM 10 are in the 'very poor' category in the city`s air with 211 and 353, respectively, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

As per SAFAR estimates, the local surface winds are likely to increase moderately on November 29 and 30 that increases dispersion of pollutants leading to slight improvement, but AQI remains in the 'very poor' category. From December 1 wind speed and temperature are likely to decrease, reducing ventilation leading to slight deterioration of air quality. Low mixing layer height is preventing efficient dispersion of pollutants. The share of stubble burning related pollutants in Delhi's PM2.5 is 3 per cent.