Improvement In Delhi Air Quality After The Rain, AQI Further Drops To 'Poor' Category From 'Very Poor'- All You Need To Know
 

Delhi's air quality has eased a bit after light rain on Sunday evening. On Monday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped from the 'very poor' category to 'poor', giving some hope from the pollution crisis that has gripped the city. AQI was reported at 273 early Monday morning. It had improved from 302 level recorded at 4 PM on Sunday. Though the air quality has improved a bit, the AQI is still classified as 'poor' by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The main cause of this relief was the rain that western disturbances brought, which washed pollutants from the atmosphere. However, the weather also brought moisture and lesser temperatures, which meant a concentration of pollutants that have stuck together, worsening air conditions in the first part of this weekend. Experts say that even though conditions did improve for a short time, in the next few days, it would become worse again.

Classification of AQI and Trend Analysis

The AQI according to CPCB standards is categorized as 'Good' when it falls between 0-50, 'Satisfactory' when it falls between 51-100, 'Moderate' when it falls between 101-200, and 'Poor' when it falls between 201-300. AQI that is above 301 is considered 'Very Poor', and above 400 is classified as 'Severe'. Delhi saw its first 'very poor' AQI of December on Sunday with a reading of 302, quite in contrast to the moderate air quality seen earlier in the month.

The improvement in Delhi’s air quality is temporary, as experts suggest that the AQI could move back into the ‘very poor’ category by Tuesday. As per the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the current trend indicates that air quality could worsen due to accumulated pollutants and unfavorable weather conditions.

Temperature and Weather Update

Delhi also saw a marginal fall in temperatures with the maximum recorded at 23.7°C, a degree below normal, and the minimum at 7.4°C, two degrees below normal. While the rain has given brief respite, the battle against air pollution continues in the capital.