Delhi air may get better as rain likely for next two days

NEW DELHI: The capital’s air quality remained in ‘moderate’ zone on Sunday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 190, with even more improvement likely in the next two days if rain occurs, officials said. The IMD has forecast a spell of rain on both Monday and Tuesday, which could bring down the maximum temperature by 2-3 degrees Celsius.

Delhi recorded a minimum of 11.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday — one degree above normal. The maximum, meanwhile, was recorded at 23.8 degrees Celsius — two degrees below normal. Forecast agencies said cyclonic circulation and high wind speeds has not only helped keep the air quality under control, but also brought down the maximum temperature.

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“The air quality is expected to remain in same category for tomorrow as well. As a part of western disturbance, cyclonic circulation and high wind speeds in quick succession are affecting the region’s air quality positively. The air quality will remain in upper end of moderate zone to lower end of poor zone for the next three days,” said SAFAR in its daily forecast on Sunday.

Officials from the regional met department said while very light rain could occur on Monday, the intensity is expected to be higher on Tuesday, with isolated parts also likely to see lightning and hailstorm activity.

“The western disturbance is bringing rain once again. Very light rain can take place on Monday evening and night. Meanwhile, light to moderate showers could occur on Tuesday with hailstorm and lightning occurring in some locations,” said a senior met official.

The relative humidity in the last 24 hours oscillated between 37% and 90%. Officials said shallow fog could occur also on Monday morning. “The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 22 and 11 degrees Celsius respectively,” said an official.