Delhi Cools Down as Minimum Temperature Drops

Delhi experienced a distinct shift in weather on Monday, registering a minimum temperature of 16.2 degrees Celsius—the lowest recorded so far this month. According to weather monitoring stations, the city's maximum temperature settled at 31.4 degrees Celsius, hovering slightly below the seasonal norm.

At the Safdarjung weather station, the minimum temperature fell by 0.8 degrees Celsius over a 24-hour period. Similar cooling trends were observed across various pockets of the national capital, with Lodhi Road recording a low of 16 degrees Celsius, the Ridge logging 16.6 degrees Celsius, and Palam recording 16.3 degrees Celsius.

Air Quality Index Edges Up

Alongside the dropping temperatures, the city's air quality witnessed a marginal decline. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 174 on Monday, marking an increase from the previous day's reading of 153.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies an AQI between 101 and 200 as 'moderate'. Out of 57 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi, 18 reported 'poor' air quality conditions, while one station at Ghogha recorded 'satisfactory' air quality. The remaining stations registered moderate levels, with the highest AQI spike hitting 248 at the CRRI Mathura Road monitoring unit.

Meteorological Conditions and Forecast

Experts from the Air Quality Early Warning System noted that prevailing meteorological conditions remain unfavorable for the rapid dispersion of pollutants. The ventilation index is projected to stay below 6,000 square metres per second, accompanied by average wind speeds dropping below 10 kilometers per hour.

Authorities anticipate that the city's air quality may deteriorate further into the 'poor' category over the coming days before showing signs of improvement later in the week.

Pollution Sources and Stubble Burning

According to the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi, transport emissions remained the leading contributor to the city's pollution load at 23.8 percent. Residential sources accounted for 6 percent, followed by industrial operations at 4.9 percent, construction activities at 3.3 percent, and energy and waste burning at 2.2 percent each.

Additionally, satellite monitoring data detected active farm fires across neighboring states, contributing marginally to the regional pollution matrix as agencies continue to monitor shifting weather patterns closely.