Delhi’s air quality saw a significant improvement on Friday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 294, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the national capital and surrounding areas continued to face dense fog, which led to delays in train services.
Reports indicated that 27 trains originating from various stations in Delhi were running late due to poor visibility caused by foggy conditions. This ongoing fog has further complicated travel for commuters, despite the overall improvement in air quality.
The rise in temperatures, attributed to overcast skies and light rainfall, also contributed to the improved air quality. On Thursday, the minimum temperature increased from 6°C to 10.3°C, which is three degrees above the normal range. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature rose slightly from 18.1°C to 19.6°C.
The positive change in air quality coincided with the revocation of Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday. A western disturbance, which brought light rainfall and strong surface winds from late Wednesday to Thursday morning, played a key role in dispersing pollutants and improving the city’s air quality.
Delhi’s AQI dropped from a “very poor” category value of 386 at 4 p.m. on Wednesday to 302 at the same time on Thursday. By 8 p.m. Thursday, the AQI further improved to 288, moving into the “poor” range.
According to rainfall data from the Safdarjung weather station, which represents Delhi’s weather, 3.9 mm of rain fell in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. The Palam station recorded the highest rainfall at 10.1 mm, followed by 9.7 mm at the Ridge station.
Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another western disturbance beginning January 18, which could bring light rainfall to northwest India on January 21. An orange alert has also been issued for dense to very dense fog on Friday and Saturday, further complicating travel conditions across the capital.
(With IANS inputs)
