The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather forecast for Delhi, predicting partly cloudy skies and moderate morning fog on January 27, as reported by PTI. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 20 and 5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
According to the IMD bulletin, north India, including Delhi, will continue to experience cloudy skies and dense fog for the next five days, coupled with cold conditions persisting for the next two days. The forecast comes after the national capital experienced a cloudy foggy morning on Republic Day, followed by clear skies. The maximum temperature recorded on Friday reached 20.6 degrees Celsius.
Delhi was enveloped in dense fog in the morning, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.7 degrees Celsius, four notches below the season’s average, according to the IMD. The maximum temperature recorded was a notch below normal. Humidity levels ranged from 62 percent to 100 percent.
Air Quality Concerns in Delhi-NCR:
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has expressed concerns about escalating air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. On January 26, the CAQM announced its decision to closely observe the situation before implementing stricter measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), as reported by ANI. This decision is based on forecasts indicating a potential improvement in the coming days.
The CAQM reported that Delhi’s 24-hour running average Air Quality Index (AQI) has steadily increased, reaching 409 at 4 pm. The AQI scale categorizes values from 0 to 100 as ‘good,’ 100 to 200 as ‘moderate,’ 200 to 300 as ‘poor,’ 300 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ and 400 to 500 or above as ‘severe.’
The CAQM Sub-Committee for GRAP held an emergency meeting to assess the current air quality scenario, considering meteorological conditions and air quality projections by IMD/IITM. The committee noted a surge in Delhi’s average AQI due to the low dispersion of air pollutants caused by temperature drops, foggy conditions, and local sources.
Despite the observed deterioration, the Sub-Committee, after a comprehensive review, acknowledged positive air quality forecasts by IMD/IITM. They decided to monitor the situation before contemplating stringent actions under Stage III of GRAP. Existing preventive/restrictive measures under Stage I and Stage II of GRAP will persist, with continuous monitoring for future decisions.
Stage 3 restrictions, including a ban on non-essential construction work and the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR, were considered for implementation. The GRAP restrictions, previously lifted on January 18 due to improved air quality, may be reinstated based on ongoing assessments.
