An unprecedented triple-dip La-Nina event, extended by climate change, triggered a peculiar trend in the 2022-23 winter season where air quality improved in north India while peninsular India recorded an increase in pollution levels, according to a new study released on Sunday. The three consecutive years of La Nia conditions (2020-23) - a rare triple-dip phenomenon - had widespread impacts on the ocean and climate across the globe. The study by a team of scientists led by Gufran Beig, Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, emphasised that besides local emissions, rapidly changing climate is a significant factor affecting air quality. Published in the Elsevier Journal, the study reveals that the air quality worsened in peninsular Indian cities in the 2022-23 winter season but improved in the northern part of India, contrary to the trends seen in recent decades. Among the north Indian cities, Ghaziabad registered the most significant improvement with a reduction of
Delhi's air quality on Monday improved from "poor" to "moderate" and the maximum temperature settled at 21 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average. The 24-hour air quality index (AQI) read 180. On Sunday, the AQI was recorded at 282, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The 24-hour AQI on Saturday was 193. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". The humidity levels fluctuated between 98 per cent and 61 per cent during the day, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It has forecast mainly clear sky for Tuesday with moderate fog in the morning, while the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at around 9 and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. February has seen four days of rainfall while last year, there was no rainfall recorded in this month. The capital received 29.9 mm rainfall in
Delhi fog: According to IMD, the fog has intensified in the capital due to the western disturbances
The Centre on Monday refrained from implementing stricter measures to curb pollution in Delhi-NCR, even though air quality in the region is predicted to turn 'severe' on January 30. This is the third time since January 24 that the central government has decided against employing disruptive measures to control air pollution. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 356 at 4 pm on Monday. It is likely to deteriorate to the 'severe' category (AQI above 400) on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. If the AQI breaches the 400-mark, authorities in Delhi-NCR are required to invoke stricter curbs under Stage III of the Centre's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control air pollution.
Amid worsening air quality, the Centre on Wednesday decided to hold off the implementation of stricter measures to curb pollution in Delhi-NCR as forecasts suggested that the situation may improve. Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday breached the 400 mark, a level requiring authorities to invoke stricter curbs under Stage 3 of the Centre's air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). "CAQM Sub-Committee for operationalisation of GRAP met today and took stock of the air quality situation, and meteorological forecast and the projected air quality index by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology," a statement said. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecasts suggesting an improvement in the air quality, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to watch the situation for a day or more, before invoking Stage 3 of GRAP. The .
Delhi air quality remains "very poor"; however, there is some improvement in parts of city
Foggy mornings, cold days, and cold wave conditions were expected to persist across the plains for at least the next two days
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Delhi weather updates: Due to the fog cover, the visibility levels in the IGI airport area were reduced to zero on Friday morning
India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the temperatures to begin rising today onwards
Delhi cold wave: India Meteorological Department predicts temperatures in Delhi to be 7 degrees C-15 degrees C, 'yellow alert' has been issued for parts of the city
Delhi's temperature for the day is likely to linger at the lower end of the scale around 11 degrees Celsius
Delhi weather forecast: According to IMD, Delhi's weather is likely to improve after January 7 with chances of drizzle on January 8 and 9
The IMD has issued health advisory to the public warning against lung-related health impacts due to the cold wave and dense fog
Delhi pollution news today: The restrictions under the Stage-III of Grap norms were lifted in the capital on Monday as the AQI continues to remain below 400
However, the government data showed that overall, 2023 had the best air quality since 2018, barring 2020 when the pollution was low owing to the country-wide lockdown
Delhi air quality: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that firecrackers on New Year's eve may further exacerbate the air quality of Delhi
Delhi AQI update: Delhi's AQI is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category till December 30, the Early Warning System (EWS) predicted. On Wednesday, the overall AQI in Delhi was recorded at 380
While the overall AQI continued to remain 'very poor' at 383 on Wednesday morning, parts of the national capital witnessed the air quality dip to 'severe'
Delhi air quality update: Delhi's AQI is likely to deteriorate and reach the 'severe' category on December 27, the Early Warning System (EWS) predicted