AQI improves, but is likely to slip back to ‘poor’ soon with change in wind direction

Gurgaon: A day after experiencing its first ‘poor' air quality day of the month, the city's air quality index (AQI) improved marginally to the ‘moderate' category on Saturday.
However, this improvement is unlikely to last long, as the air quality is expected to deteriorate further in the next 24 hours, according to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
On Saturday, the city's AQI was recorded at 176, a noticeable improvement from Friday's reading of 204. Experts attributed the marginal improvement to better wind speeds, which temporarily dispersed pollutants, but cautioned that conditions will worsen again within 24 hours.
Three out of the four monitoring stations recorded AQI readings in the ‘moderate' category: Vikas Sadan (195), Sector 51 (147), and Teri Gram (189). However, the AQI at Gwal Pahari could not be recorded due to insufficient data.
Meanwhile, the city experienced a warmer day on Saturday, with the daytime temperature reaching 36.4 degrees Celsius, five notches above the seasonal normal. The minimum temperature rose slightly to 18.6 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal.
According to the IMD, no major changes are expected over the next few days, with nighttime temperatures predicted to remain in the lower range of 18-20 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs are expected to stay between 34-35 degrees Celsius over the next six days.
Explaining why this AQI improvement is likely to be short-lived, Sachin Panwar, an independent air quality expert, told TOI, "As the wind direction shifts toward the north-northwest, it will carry emissions from stubble burning in neighbouring states along with local polluting sources, likely worsening air quality. This is especially true during the early morning and late evening hours when the wind is calm. Decreased wind speeds cause pollutants to settle over the city, leading to a spike in particulate matter and reduced visibility."
Panwar added that govt agencies need to address local pollution sources.
Health experts also warned that patients with existing respiratory or medical conditions are at greater risk of worsening air quality, especially as winter approaches.
"We're seeing a 20-30% rise in respiratory illnesses during this seasonal change. To stay safe, wear a mask, use an air purifier, and limit exposure to pollution. It's also important to eat healthily, avoid outside and junk food, and maintain an active lifestyle with regular exercise," said a health expert.
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) addressed measures to mitigate the anticipated rise in pollution levels.
"While favourable weather conditions and limited firecracker use have prevented a significant spike in pollution so far, conditions are changing and are likely to affect air quality," said Vijay Choudhary, regional officer, HSPCB.
"The air quality is expected to remain in the poor to very poor category in the coming days. We have ramped up enforcement in critical areas to ensure compliance with the GRAP. We are also coordinating with district administrations and civic authorities to implement dust mitigation measures and curb smoke emissions," the official said.
"A show cause notice has already been issued to GMDA, and directions have been given to repair damaged roads. If not addressed, penalties will be imposed, and action will be taken as per regulations. Additionally, we will direct civic bodies to ensure the effective implementation of CAQM orders," he added.