The capital city, Delhi might have its first 'good' air day this year on Sunday. The air quality in the city has been in the 'satisfactory' category, but officials say it may become even better and reach below 50 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) due to moderate rain expected during the weekend.
On Friday, the AQI was 77, which is considered 'satisfactory,' compared to 72 the day before.
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, which is a forecasting organization under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, predicts that the air quality is likely to improve and be classified as 'good' on Sunday. However, it may go back to the 'satisfactory' category on Monday.
According to VK Soni, the head of the Environment and Research Centre of the India Meteorological Department, Delhi and nearby areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) may experience moderate to heavy rainfall. As a result, the air quality is expected to improve and enter the 'good' category on Sunday.
Soni also mentioned that although the PM2.5 concentration has been in the 'good' category for nine days this year, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the 'satisfactory' category due to higher PM10 concentration caused by dust. The expectation is that the rain will help settle the pollutants, potentially leading to a 'good' air day in Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow' alert (be aware) for Saturday and Sunday.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as 'good,' between 51 and 100 as 'satisfactory,' between 101 and 200 as 'moderate,' between 201 and 300 as 'poor,' between 301 and 400 as 'very poor,' and over 400 as 'severe.'
