Delhi Weather: Haze Blankets Delhi-NCR, Temperatures Dip Below Normal

Residents across various parts of the city had to drive with headlights on due to low visibility, particularly in open areas, while densely populated areas experienced a lesser impact.

By Gaurav Santosh Sep 9, 2024, 19:14 IST

NEW DELHI — On Sunday, Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) were enveloped in a thick layer of haze, reducing visibility and causing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Residents across various parts of the city had to drive with headlights on due to low visibility, particularly in open areas, while densely populated areas experienced a lesser impact.

Visibility and Air Quality Drop

Visibility levels significantly dropped across parts of the city, with Palam recording visibility of just 900 meters by 10 a.m. Typically, visibility in Palam ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 meters. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Sunday stood at 91, compared to 77 on the same day last year. Although the AQI is still within the ‘satisfactory’ range, the decline signals deteriorating air quality.

Meteorologists' Forecast

Mahesh Palawat, a meteorologist, explained that the haze results from slower wind speeds, cooler temperatures, and increased humidity. Such conditions often persist until heavy rainfall clears the haze. Palawat expects the situation to normalize within a couple of days, provided that significant rain occurs. Otherwise, the haze may linger.

Temperature Decline

Sunday's maximum temperature was recorded at 29.6°C, four degrees below normal, while the minimum stood at 25.2°C, which is average for this time of year. Light rainfall was observed in parts of the NCR, with the weather department reporting a total of 2 mm of rain over the past 24 hours. Humidity levels in Delhi reached 91% by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, and the forecast predicts more light rain in some areas on Monday.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Breakdown

It’s important to note that an AQI between 0-50 is considered ‘good,’ 51-100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 ‘moderate,’ 201-300 ‘poor,’ 301-400 ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 ‘severe.’ Currently, Delhi’s AQI remains in the satisfactory range, but it could worsen if weather conditions don't improve.

As the city deals with the haze and cooler temperatures, residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take precautions, especially while commuting.