Delhi's air quality 'satisfactory' for first time in 2019

The torrential downpour witnessed in Delhi has brought the much-needed respite from toxic air, as air quality improved sharply for the first time in the New Year.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was docking at 85 in the morning, ranging in the 'satisfactory' category, for the first time in a span of four months, after a long period of oscillation between 'poor' and 'hazardous' categories.

The minimum and maximum temperature in Delhi will hover around 10 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Moderate fog will prevail throughout the region with wind speed 10 kilometres per hour and humidity 96 per cent.

Due to foggy weather, as many as 21 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by 2 hrs.

Ranchi-new Delhi Garib rath, Islampur-New Delhi -Magadh Express, Vaishali Express were delayed by 2:30 hours each.

Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Darbhanga Delhi Bihar S Kranti, Howrah-New Delhi- Poorva and Azamgarh-Delhi Kaifiyat Express were delayed by 6 hours, 4 hours, 3:30 hours and 2:30 hours, respectively.

The region witnessed a spike in pollution levels during the winter when weather conditions lead to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, and crop residue burning adds to the menace.

According to Mahesh Palawat, VP-Meteorology, Skymet Weather, "Widespread rains were not limited to Delhi but to entire northwestern plains. Thus, pollutants have settled down all over the places. Thus, any immediate spike in air pollution is not likely. With these rains moderate in nature, they would not let pollutants settle down. Also, we are not expecting any weather system in quick succession that could change the wind pattern. For the next couple of days, air quality would continue to juggle between 'satisfactory' and 'moderate' pollution levels. Although rains would fade away in the next 48 hours, the national capital region (NCR) will witness northwesterly winds thereafter."