Delhi is experiencing fluctuated air quality patterns as February 2025 progresses, with the air quality index (AQI) dipping back to the ‘poor’ category recently. On Sunday, February 16, the AQI reached 255, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), after spending three consecutive days within the moderate range earlier this week.
The decline is attributed to less agreeable weather conditions, including partly cloudy skies and reduced wind speeds, which have hampered the dispersion of pollutants. Other contributors to this poor air quality include changes in mixing height and temperature variations affecting the ventilation coefficient.
The CPCB reported alarming AQI readings across various localities on the morning of February 16. For example, Mundka registered an AQI of 342, Anand Vihar at 330, and Wazirpur at 308. These readings indicate significant pollution levels, prompting health advisories for sensitive groups such as children and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Weather patterns are also shifting, with maximum temperatures recorded at 29 degrees Celsius toward the week's end. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted misty mornings, transitioning to clearer and warmer days later. It predicts light rain on February 19 and 20, coinciding with the incoming western disturbances set to impact Delhi's climate.
The recent drop in air quality coincided with what the IMD termed as ‘transition weather,’ where daytime temperatures have begun to rise significantly—3-6 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms across much of North India, sparking concerns over increased pollution levels.
On February 16, the IMD noted minimum temperatures were expected to reach 11 degrees Celsius, with occasional mist at early hours. A clear sky is anticipated later in the day to bring unseasonably warm weather, especially as maximum temperatures touch 30 degrees Celsius by the month’s end.
Residents are advised to stay updated with local air quality alerts as conditions are expected to worsen; the AQI is projected to hover around very poor levels. Therefore, protective measures, including staying indoors, using air purifiers, and wearing masks, have been recommended particularly on days with higher pollution levels.
On February 17, the temperature registered at 26.57 degrees Celsius with cloud cover contributing substantially to warmth. The AQI was recorded at 304, indicating very poor air quality conditions again. Health advisories suggest careful planning for outdoor activities because of this indeterminate air quality standard.
Looking forward, the IMD predicts the air quality regressing to very poor on February 18, highlighting the distinct effects of weather variations and pollution sources. With the raised ambient temperatures set against anticipated rainfall, the air quality index is expected to fluctuate greatly next week as conditions evolve due to changing external factors.
Understanding these weather and pollution dynamics is increasingly important as they directly affect daily life for residents of Delhi. Regular updates from the IMD and CPCB offer guidelines to navigate outdoor plans safely, aiming to mitigate health risks attributed to deteriorated air quality.
The interplay of weather, seasonal transitions, and pollution levels serves as a pertinent reminder for urban environmental management, requiring constant monitoring and public education to safeguard health and well-being as Delhi's climatic conditions transform.