Clear Skies Ahead: Delhi-NCR Air Quality Likely to Deteriorate

After a spell of rain brought cleaner air to Delhi-NCR, the region is likely to face a return of pollution as clear and dry weather takes hold.

Rain and strong winds had earlier pushed the Air Quality Index down sharply in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and nearby localities. In many places, pollution had fallen to the green zone, offering much-needed relief to residents.

That relief now appears to be short-lived. The AQI has started to climb again, and there is a possibility that it could enter the red zone in the coming days.

As per the forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department for November 2 to 7, the weather will remain mostly clear throughout the week. Partial clouds may be visible, but no rainfall is currently expected.

With no rain and continued dry conditions, pollutants and dust particles in the atmosphere may increase. People may therefore have to breathe polluted air again.

The forecast shows maximum temperatures staying around 28 to 29 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius during the first week of November. Humidity is expected to range from 60 to 85 percent. No weather warnings have been issued for any day between November 2 and 7.

Mornings and evenings are likely to feel slightly chilly along with the pollution. Residents of Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Delhi and Gurugram should keep track of air quality, and children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions should be especially cautious.