After five days, Delhi’s AQI drops below 400 — before rising again

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is likely to be in the severe range on Wednesday. It is expected to improve to the very poor category on Thursday and Friday. In the subsequent six days, the forecast is between very poor and severe.

This, however, depends on the emissions during Diwali.

While the sale and purchase as well as use of firecrackers are banned in the city, violations are seen every year. According to officials, since neighbouring states have not banned firecrackers, people living in Delhi buy them from NCR towns. Several vendors in the city also sell crackers illegally.

“The day after Diwali is crucial because the impact of farm fires is persistent, alongside an increase in Delhi’s own emissions. Usually, the year’s worst AQI is seen two-three days after Diwali,” said a senior DPCC official.

The only silver lining may be in the form of wind. According to the forecast, wind speed is expected to increase to around 12 km per hour for some time during the day on Wednesday. There is also a slight possibility of very light rain/drizzle towards Thursday night.

IMD officials, however, said that a very small amount of rain may not have any positive impact.