Dry weather in Delhi, air quality decrease to 'moderate category'

The national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad are witnessing dry weather and increased air pollution levels due to the presence of light winds. Light rains predicted for a few days from March 11 is expected to provide relief to air pollution.

According to Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, the reason for this increase in pollution levels can be attributed to a fresh Western Disturbance over the Western Himalayas and its induced Cyclonic Circulation over Central Pakistan and adjoining parts of West Rajasthan.

"Both the systems have resulted in bringing a major change to the wind pattern in Delhi and NCR area. The winds have changed from north-westerlies to south-westerlies now," it added.

The presence of the Western Disturbance is likely to result in light rain showers at isolated places in Delhi and its adjoining regions between March 11 and 13. The downpour is expected to wash out the air pollutants and significantly improve the air quality index.

On Thursday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 28 degree Celsius and 11 Degree Celsius with humidity oscillating between 85 to 88 per cent, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the state-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the air quality index on Friday docked at 197, which falls in the 'moderate category'.