New Delhi: Due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, Delhi’s air quality turned severe by Monday evening with overall air quality index (AQI) recording 547 — equivalent to the hazardous category.
 
However, the meteorological department predicted that the national capital can receive some light shower, which can bring down the pollution level. “Minimum temperatures could go down to 15ºC by Wednesday. However, the moisture content is increasing and this could lead to some light rain on Tuesday/Wednesday,” said an Met official, according to Times of India.

Weather for the next two days

On Tuesday, Delhiites woke up to a foggy morning with a light drizzle. More rain is predicted throughout the day and the minimum temperature is expected to reach14 degree Celsius.

 This weather is likely to prevail on Wednesday also, reported the met department.

How will rainfall help?

Rain can wash out particles, especially larger particles — 10 microns or above 2.5 microns. Rain can also help dust stick to the ground and not fly around.

Preventive measures

Several preventive measures have been adopted to prevent pollution in Delhi. While Delhi government has banned the entry of trucks in the city, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) requested owners of private diesel cars to refrain from using their vehicles.

The EPCA has also asked the authorities to extend the suspension of work on construction activities, industries using coal and biomass and entry of trucks till November 12 due to the deteriorated air quality in the national capital.

 The air quality in Delhi has been severe for the past two days with the highest pollution level of the year recorded a day after Diwali on Thursday at an AQI of 642.