Delhi: Air Quality level improves slightly, SAFAR predicts relief is only temporary

After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change on Tuesday morning with Air Quality Index (AQI) improving to 'poor' category. According to System of Air Quality Wear Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), this relief from toxic air is only temporary, as wind speed is expected to slow down from vember 20. As a result, air quality is likely to dive into  'severe' category on Thursday, vember 21.

"Pollutant accumulation leading to quick deterioration is predicted by vember 20th and probability of AQI touching lower end of SEVERE category on 21st vember is high," stated SAFAR organisation in its advisory.

Current AQI level of Delhi

Today, overall air quality of Delhi was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67. People of city were slightly relieved and expressed happiness over improved air quality. " pollution levels have definitely come down. air is much cleaner today," said a resident of city.

READ: Marginal improvement, but air quality in Delhi remains 'poor'

READ: Delhi: Air quality in national capital sees marginal improvement, ranks at 'Moderate'

However, earlier on Tuesday, SAFAR said to AQI, that it predicted air quality to deteriorate in Delhi by Thursday.  probability of AQI touching lower end of 'severe' category on vember 21 is high, it said. "Ar factor is change in transport-level wind direction to rthwest (coming from Punjab and Haryana) and an increase in effective fire count to 610."

READ: Dip in wind speed likely to turn Delhi-NCR's air quality severe again

SAFAR's advice to people

Center-run SAFAR has advised people to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. "Take more breaks and do less intense activities." Giving clear intructions to Asthmatics and heart patients it said in an advisory, "Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue."

READ: Delhi-NCR continue to battle air pollution, AQI hovers around 482 in capital