Delhi chokes on toxic smog as AQI crosses 300; IMD confirms major weather shift ahead
Earlier this week, air quality briefly recovered from the toxic air in the city; The overall AQI recorded was 299 on Thursday (8am). But today, the situation worsened as residents felt the hazy air and thick layer of smoke.
Delhi woke up to thick smog on Sunday, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) rising to 300, keeping the capital in the “very poor” category for over a month. According to the Sameer App, at 7:05 am, the overall AQI was at 305. Mundka recorded the worst air quality in the city.
On Thursday, the AQI was slightly lower at 299 around 8 a.m., giving residents a brief respite from the city’s toxic air. However, on Sunday morning, heavy smoke and decreased visibility increased the public’s discomfort.
District wise AQI in Delhi
Anand Vihar: 327
Ashok Vihar: 325
Bawana: 352
Chandni Chowk: 308
DTU: 323
İTO: 307
Mundka: 365
Nehru Nagar: 343
Sirifort: 318
Pusa: 354
According to the AQI classification, 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘poor’, 301-400 is ‘very poor’ and 401-500 is ‘severe’.
Cold wave warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a cold wave is likely in the coming weeks and temperatures are expected to drop further after December 15. The minimum temperature in Delhi may reach 4°C, which may increase the discomfort of the residents.
La Niña Will Intensify Winter in Northern India
Weather experts say the La Niña phenomenon will likely make this winter harsher. La Niña occurs when surface temperatures of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean drop below normal, resulting in stronger-than-normal winds.
Scientists predict that the cold will intensify significantly between December 15-20, and temperatures below normal may continue until December, January and February.
Delhi Weekly Weather Forecast
According to IMD:
• Minimum temperature: expected to drop to 7°C
• Maximum temperature: Approx. 24°C
• Sky: Partly cloudy
Severe Cold in Northern India
A severe cold wave also affected Punjab and Haryana.
• Faridkot recorded the lowest temperature at 3°C.
• Chandigarh reported 6.1°C.
• Srinagar shivered at 0.4°C.
In Himachal Pradesh, the Shimla Meteorological Department has predicted light rain and snowfall in the higher hills of Chamba, Kangra and Kullu on Sunday. This is expected to exacerbate cold conditions in the northern region.
