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Delhi's Air Quality Stays Poor Amid Unseasonably Warm February Days

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on Friday, with several monitoring stations reporting concerning AQI levels. The city is experiencing unseasonably warm weather for February, with afternoon temperatures feeling more like early April. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued clear skies and high temperatures for Delhi-NCR in the coming days. Meanwhile, weak Western Disturbances are expected to bring light rain and snowfall to the Western Himalayan region.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Poor, Warm February Weather Raises Concern

  • AQI in 'poor' category across several stations
  • Unseasonably warm February afternoons
  • Health advisory for vulnerable groups
  • IMD forecasts continued clear skies
  • Weak Western Disturbances to affect Himalayas
2 min read

Delhi's air quality remains poor, warm February days raise concerns

Delhi's AQI remains in 'poor' category as unseasonal warmth grips the capital. Health experts advise caution for vulnerable groups.

"Health experts have advised residents, especially those with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor activities during the early morning hours - Health Experts"

New Delhi, Feb 27

Delhi's air quality continued to remain a concern on Friday as the Air Quality Index stayed in the 'poor' category, even as the national capital woke up to a cool and hazy morning with clear skies and a light breeze. The morning temperature settled at around 14 degrees Celsius, offering brief relief before warmer conditions set in later in the day.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations reported varying AQI levels across the city. Anand Vihar recorded 280, North Campus 258, Wazirpur 238, Jahangirpuri 230, Dwarka Sector-8 228, Mundka 219, R K Puram 218, Bawana 213, Chandni Chowk 203, Ashok Vihar 192, Narela 184, and Sonia Vihar 178 -- all ranging from moderate to poor categories. Meanwhile, relatively better readings were observed at DTU (145), IIT Delhi (147), Mandir Marg (138), and Pusa (136).

Health experts have advised residents, especially those with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor activities during the early morning hours when pollution levels and mist are at their peak.

Despite the cool start, Delhi is witnessing unusually warm weather for February. Afternoon temperatures have been climbing steadily, making the days feel more like early April. Prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours has become uncomfortable, though mornings and late evenings continue to carry a mild chill.

On Thursday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 12.6 degrees Celsius. A light breeze throughout the day provided a slight respite from the heat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mostly clear skies over Delhi-NCR for the coming days, with no significant change in temperature. Between February 28 and March 4, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are likely to hover between 15 and 16 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has also warned of two weak Western Disturbances that may bring light rain and snowfall over the Western Himalayan region from February 26-28 and again from March 2-3. Increased cloud cover is expected over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, with light precipitation likely in higher-altitude areas.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The weather is so confusing! Wearing a jacket in the morning and sweating by afternoon. This early heat in February is not normal at all. Climate change is real, folks. 🌡️
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while the data is important, I feel the article misses the human cost. My mother in Chandni Chowk can't step out for her morning walk anymore. The "moderate" AQI of 203 still makes her cough. We need solutions, not just readings.
S
Sarah B
I moved to Delhi from Canada last year. The air quality is a major shock. Even on a "clear sky" day, there's this persistent haze. It's a serious public health issue that needs urgent addressing.
V
Vikram M
Notice how areas near major institutions like IIT and DTU have better AQI? Shows that green cover and controlled traffic make a difference. We need to replicate that model in residential colonies. More trees, less concrete!
K
Kavya N
The warm days are a nightmare for electricity bills. ACs are on in February! And with poor air, we can't even open windows. It's a double burden on common people. Hoping the Western Disturbance brings some relief, even if to the hills.

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