Air quality improves slightly, thanks to rise in wind speed

NEW DELHI: Delhi's air quality showed slight improvement on Saturday, thanks to increased wind speed favourable for dispersion of pollutants, and settled in the 'poor' category, authorities said.

The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 264, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The level of PM2.5 (particles in the air with diameter of less than 2.5 micrometre) was recorded at 119 and the PM10 level was recorded at 235, the CPCB added.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality has improved due to higher wind speed.

The concentration of particulate matter could reduce further, owing to increased wind speed, and air quality will likely remain in the poor category, it said.

Humidity levels oscillated between 74 per cent and 24 per cent.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Saturday's maximum temperature settling at 27.9 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average. Minimum temperature was recorded at 13.4 degrees Celsius, two notches above the normal, the weather office added.