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Delhi Fog & Poor Air Quality Persist as IMD Predicts More Rain

Delhi residents grappled with dense fog and poor air quality, with an average AQI of 231, though recent rain provided slight improvement. Several areas, including Jahangirpuri and RK Puram, recorded 'very poor' AQI levels above 300. The India Meteorological Department forecasts more rainfall, thunderstorms, and significant temperature fluctuations for the coming days. The city has already recorded its highest January rainfall in four years, totaling 24 mm.

Key Points: Delhi Fog, Air Quality Concerns Amid IMD Rain Forecast

  • Dense fog reduces visibility
  • AQI average in 'poor' category at 231
  • Very poor air in Jahangirpuri, RK Puram
  • IMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms Jan 31-Feb 2
  • January sees highest rainfall in four years
3 min read

Dense fog, fluctuating weather grip Delhi as air quality remains a concern

Delhi faces dense fog and poor air quality with AQI at 231. IMD forecasts more rain and temperature swings. Check pollution levels in your area.

"The city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 231 at 6.00 a.m., placing it in the 'poor' category. - CPCB data"

New Delhi, Jan 30

Residents of Delhi woke up to a foggy Friday morning as dense mist, cloudy skies, and declining air quality continued to affect the national capital. Reduced visibility and cooler temperatures marked the start of the day, while pollution levels remained a matter of concern across several parts of the city amid changing weather conditions.

Air pollution largely stayed in the 'poor' category, although a few locations reported 'moderate' air quality. Despite persistent concerns, Delhi's overall air quality showed slight improvement on Friday morning. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 231 at 6.00 a.m., placing it in the 'poor' category. Recent spells of rainfall have contributed to marginally lowering pollution levels compared to earlier days.

Out of 39 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi, 13 stations recorded 'moderate' air quality, while 22 remained in the 'poor' range. However, certain areas continued to experience severe pollution. Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Nehru Nagar, and Siri Fort recorded AQI levels above 300, categorising them under the 'very poor' bracket.

According to CPCB data, several locations in Delhi showed varying pollution levels, including Anand Vihar (291), Ashok Vihar (271), Bawana (241), Burari Crossing (214), Dwarka Sector-8 (290), ITO (225), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (282), Lodhi Road (132), Narela (144), Patparganj (263), Pusa (169), Rohini (276), and Sonia Vihar (269).

In neighbouring Noida, AQI readings were recorded at Noida Sector-62 (183), Noida Sector-1 (264), and Noida Sector-116 (264), reflecting similar air quality trends in the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that another western disturbance is likely to impact northwest India from February 2 onwards. Additionally, the presence of a subtropical westerly jet stream over northeast India is contributing to unstable weather patterns. These meteorological systems are expected to bring cloud cover, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations over the next few days.

For 30 January, the IMD forecasted shallow to moderate fog during morning hours in Delhi, along with generally overcast skies. While minimum temperatures are likely to remain above the seasonal average, daytime temperatures are expected to stay noticeably lower than normal.

The IMD has also predicted rainfall and thunderstorms over Delhi and the surrounding regions between January 31 and February 2. A further drop in minimum temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius is likely over the next two days, followed by a gradual rise of 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert has been issued for heavy rainfall on January 31 and February 1, which may further impact visibility and air quality.

This month, Delhi recorded its highest January rainfall in four years. With the latest spell of rain, the city's total rainfall for January has reached 24 mm, the highest since 2022. The wettest January day in recent years remains January 8, 2022, when Delhi received 40.6 mm of rainfall.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The fog combined with this pollution is a nightmare for commuters. Visibility was near zero on the Yamuna Expressway this morning. Drive safe, everyone. Hoping the predicted rain actually washes some of this away.
A
Aman W
At least the rainfall has brought some slight improvement. Lodhi Road at 132 is a relief compared to last week. But these fluctuations are crazy—cold one day, rain the next. My sinuses can't keep up! The weather department's forecast is our only lifeline now.
S
Sarah B
Living in Noida Sector-1, and the AQI of 264 is no surprise. The air has a constant haze. We've invested in air purifiers for every room, but it feels like a band-aid solution. Long-term policy changes are desperately needed for the entire NCR.
V
Vikram M
While the situation is bad, I must respectfully point out that we citizens also share the blame. Diwali crackers, waste burning, and opting for personal vehicles over public transport add up. The solution has to be collective, not just waiting for the government.
K
Kavya N
The highest January rain in years is a silver lining! Maybe it will help settle the pollutants. But the yellow alert for heavy rain could mean waterlogging and traffic chaos again. Delhi just can't catch a break with the weather.

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