New Delhi: New Delhi experiences a ‘moderate’ air quality as rain and thundershower on Wednesday, washed away the toxic pollutants. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), both Safdarjung and Palam observatories recorded 2 mm of rainfall over Delhi and National Capital Region(NCR). Other cities like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad also witnessed a drastic improvement in the air quality on Thursday.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 142, Ghaziabad and Noida at 128, which is in the ‘moderate’ category. Meanwhile, Gurugram saw an AQI of 60 and Faridabad saw 92, which are both considered as ‘satisfactory’. An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the ‘moderate’ category, 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, while that between 401 and 500 is ‘severe’.
The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) in Delhi was recorded at 64 while the PM10 level was at 76, as per CPCB.
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Authorities have credited the improvement in the air quality to the predictable rainfall and further stated that high wind speed and light shower in the region is expected to keep the pollution levels in check in the coming days. Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, stated,
These rains were the results of an active Western Disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir. This system had induced a Cyclonic Circulation over West Rajasthan and adjoining areas.
According to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR),
Under the influence of two consecutive western disturbances, the region is covered by shallow clouds with light showers. Even though the expected rain and wet deposition have not occurred, the air quality is expected to slightly improve and remain in the moderate category on Thursday. No further deterioration is expected for the next three days.
Weather experts have predicted that on February 21, the rain will intensify in Delhi as Cyclonic Circulation will move towards Haryana and Punjab. Skymet added,
In wake of this movement, many parts of Delhi and NCR area will receive light to moderate rain and thundershower activities. These on and off rains will continue lashing the region until February 22. There are also bright chances of a hailstorm at one or two places, but the intensity will remain on the lower side.
With inputs from agencies.
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