Delhi Records Highest AQI in Over 85 Days as Feels-Like Temperature Hits 45.7 Degrees
On Sunday, Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly into the 'poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 261, the highest level recorded in more than 85 days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital also recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius, while the feels-like temperature touched a stifling 45.7 degrees Celsius at 5:30 p.m.
The sudden drop in air quality marked a sharp contrast to Saturday's relatively cleaner air, when the city recorded an AQI of 140. Prior to Sunday's spike, Delhi's air quality had largely remained in the 'moderate' and 'satisfactory' categories for most of the month. According to official data, the last time Delhi's AQI crossed this level was on April 17, when it stood at 263.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attributed the sudden deterioration of air quality in the Delhi-NCR region to long-range transnational winds. These winds carried mineral dust generated by storm activity in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The dust moved towards northwestern India, including Delhi, leading to highly elevated PM10 concentrations.
According to news agency PTI, the CAQM further explained that strong winds blowing across the Indo-Gangetic Plain had also contributed to the rising AQI levels. The combination of these meteorological factors brought the dust over the region, causing the rise in pollution levels.
In addition to the poor air quality, Delhi residents experienced intense heat on Sunday. The maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius was 1.3 degrees Celsius above the normal seasonal average. The high temperature combined with other weather factors to push the feels-like temperature to 45.7 degrees Celsius by late afternoon.
The CAQM noted that the city's air quality is likely to remain in the 'poor' category over the next few days. However, the commission added that the air quality is expected to improve once the transnational dust spell subsides.
