The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital Delhi reached its best level of the year on Sunday, with PM 2.5 levels at 56.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality stayed in the “satisfactory” category during the first week of July, as reported by PTI.
In June, the AQI remained below 100 for seven days and has continued to improve thanks to changing wind patterns and better weather in the national capital.
Delhi’s Air Quality Hits Year’s Best
An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 51 to 100 is classified as “satisfactory” by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), meaning the air quality is acceptable, and air pollution poses little or no risk. An AQI between 101 and 200 is labeled as “moderate,” indicating that air quality is acceptable; however, some pollutants may slightly affect a very small number of people who are sensitive to air pollution.
When the AQI ranges from 201 to 300, it is considered “poor,” meaning that air quality may cause health effects for more sensitive groups of people, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
An AQI between 301 and 400 is categorized as “very poor,” and it signifies that the health of everyone may begin to be affected, and more serious health effects can be experienced by members of sensitive groups. When the AQI is between 401 and 500, it is classified as “severe,” which indicates that the air quality poses health warnings of emergency conditions; the entire population is likely to be affected.
Air quality levels above the “moderate” range can cause breathing discomfort to people with pre-existing lung diseases, asthma, and heart conditions. Individuals in these groups should take necessary precautions to protect their health when air quality is poor or worse.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is 0.8 degrees Celsius below the average temperature for this time of year.
The city’s minimum temperature was recorded at 26.2 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. These temperatures suggest a slight cooling trend compared to typical seasonal temperatures.
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Delhi AQI Levels and Weather Updates
An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 51 to 100 is deemed “satisfactory,” while 101 to 200 is “moderate,” and 201 to 300 is considered “poor,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Levels between 301 and 400 are classified as “very poor,” and 401 to 500 are “severe.”
Air quality beyond the “moderate” level can cause breathing discomfort for people with lung diseases, asthma, and heart conditions.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi reached a maximum temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is 0.8 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was 26.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees below the seasonal average.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts generally cloudy skies until July 13, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the evenings. Conditions will be slightly humid, with relative humidity ranging from 57% to 93% during the day. Northwest winds are expected to blow at 30 km/h.
The current weather is due to monsoon winds shifting toward Delhi, which may increase rain activity in the coming days.
According to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQ Air, Delhi had the most polluted air among 114 capital cities globally in 2023. Delhi’s annual average PM2.5 level was 92.7 µg/m³, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that annual average PM2.5 levels should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
Delhi’s Air Quality FAQs
Q.1. What does an AQI of 56 PM 2.5 signify for Delhi’s air quality?
Ans. An AQI of 56 PM 2.5 falls within the “satisfactory” category, indicating minimal health risk from air pollution.
Q.2. How long did Delhi’s air quality stay in the “satisfactory” category in early July?
Ans. Delhi’s air quality remained “satisfactory” throughout the first week of July.
Q.3. What factors contributed to Delhi’s improved air quality in June?
Ans. Improved air quality in June was attributed to changing wind patterns and favorable weather conditions.
Q.4. What were Delhi’s maximum and minimum temperatures recorded recently?
Ans. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C and a minimum of 26.2°C, slightly below seasonal averages.
Q.5. What weather conditions can Delhi expect according to IMD forecasts?
Ans. IMD forecasts cloudy skies, occasional rain, and thunderstorms until July 13, with moderate humidity and northwest winds.
