 "Drizzle fails to improve Delhi's 'very poor' AQI; IMD issues yellow alert")
Delhi woke up to an early morning cold wave on Friday (December 27) as rain lashed parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), offering temporary relief to residents. However, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the "very poor" category at 371 around 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Earlier on Thursday (December 26), the AQI stood at 345 in the early hours. It marked an improvement from the 'severe' levels observed over the past weeks.
As of 7 am, the AQI measured at Anand Vihar is 398, IGI Airport (T3) is 340, Aya Nagar is 360, Lodhi Road is 345, ITO is 380, Chandani Chowk is 315 and Punjabi Bagh is 386.
The Central government's air quality monitoring panel on Tuesday revoked Stage IV ('Severe+') measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) following an improvement in air quality.
However, actions under Stages I, II, and III will remain in force to prevent any further deterioration of air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on December 24.
In line with the Supreme Court's directives, Stage IV measures were initially invoked when AQI levels breached the 400 mark on December 16.
The measures were aimed at curbing severe pollution levels and included restrictions on industrial activities, construction, and entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to tackle air pollution based on the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
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IMD issues yellow alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms, hailstorms, and moderate rainfall across northwestern and central India on December 27 and 28, owing to an active western disturbance. A yellow alert has been issued for lightning and thunderstorms in the region.
The current weather conditions, combined with precipitation, are expected to provide much-needed relief to Delhi residents by reducing pollution levels in the coming days. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to reach 20 degrees Celsius on Friday, with a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius. Overcast skies are likely to persist for the next two days, with intensified fog anticipated following the rainfall. Meteorologists predict that the rain will help settle dust and pollutant particles, further improving the AQI. (with agency inputs)