Capital’s air quality index turns ‘severe’ for first time this season

The Capital woke up to dense smog on Wednesday morning, with the air quality index (AQI) surpassing the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 24-hour average bulletin, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 418, falling in the ‘severe’ category. On Wednesday morning, the AQI was 361, classified as ‘very poor’, a level it had remained at for 14 consecutive days before shifting to the ‘severe’ category.

As of 4 pm, Delhi’s daily average AQI rose to 418, according to the CPCB bulletin. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee reviewed the air quality situation and the AQI forecast, factoring in meteorological conditions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As the AQI dipped, the sub-committee held a meeting and attributed the sharp rise in AQI to an episodic event. The IMD reported zero visibility between 8 am and 9.30 am due to an extremely dense fog blanket over the Capital. The sub-committee explained that the sudden weather change caused the AQI to shift to the ‘severe’ category.

However, the CAQM, in a post on X, said, “With stronger winds, pollutant concentration and the AQI are expected to decline starting tomorrow, and the AQI is likely to return to the ‘very poor’ category the following day.”

The sub-committee also noted, “A comprehensive review of the situation was conducted, and it was decided to monitor the situation closely before invoking the stringent measures under Stage-III of GRAP. The status will be reviewed tomorrow.”

The maximum temperature was recorded at 27.8°C, one degree below normal, while the minimum temperature remained 3.5°C above normal at 17°C.

The IMD has forecasted ‘very dense fog’ for Thursday, with temperatures expected to range between 16°C (minimum) and 29°C (maximum).