Delhi Experiences Unseasonably Warm Weather and Poor Air Quality

New Delhi has reported significantly warmer temperatures on March 9, 2024, as the city experienced a day with highs nearly 7 degrees Celsius above normal. The India Meteorological Department noted that the maximum temperature at Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, reached a notable 35.3 degrees Celsius. This warm weather persisted across other monitoring stations, with Ridge recording 36.1 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar at 35.5 degrees Celsius, and Lodhi Road measuring 35 degrees Celsius.

The morning also saw unusually high temperatures, with the national capital recording its highest minimum temperature of the season at 19 degrees Celsius—5 degrees above the seasonal average. Other areas reported similarly elevated figures, such as Palam at 18.8 degrees Celsius and Lodhi Road at 18.2 degrees Celsius. Despite the warm conditions, the region did not receive any rainfall, resulting in clear skies that contributed to the rising temperatures.

Air Quality Concerns Persist

The air quality in Delhi remains a pressing issue, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reported at 209, categorizing it as ‘poor’. This figure aligns closely with the morning reading of 206, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB defines air quality levels as follows: an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’.

Looking ahead, the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecasts that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘moderate’ category for the next six days. The ongoing challenges of air pollution in the capital highlight the need for continued monitoring and effective strategies to improve air quality for the health and well-being of its residents.