Delhi grappled with deteriorating air quality for the second straight day on Friday, as dust-laden winds originating from the Thar Desert region continued to blanket the city. At 9 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 297 — firmly in the “poor” category — showing a slight rise from Thursday’s 4 pm reading of 292.
Strong overnight surface winds stirred up substantial dust across the capital, significantly reducing visibility and increasing the concentration of particulate matter in the air. A thick haze engulfed Delhi for nearly 12 hours from late Wednesday night through Thursday morning, causing visibility to plunge from 4,500 metres to just 1,200 metres by midnight.
Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee revealed alarming spikes in PM10 concentrations — coarse particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and exacerbating respiratory issues. In Najafgarh, hourly PM10 levels peaked at an extraordinary 2,969 µg/m³, nearly 30 times the 24-hour safe limit of 100 µg/m³.
According to environmental experts, the pollution surge is due to strong winds traveling at 30-40 km/h, triggered by a pronounced north-south pressure gradient over northwest India. These winds have carried vast quantities of desert dust from Rajasthan across Haryana and Punjab into Delhi, contributing to the worsening air quality. On the weather front, the minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 26.2°C — slightly below the seasonal norm. However, daytime temperatures are expected to rise sharply, with forecasts predicting a high of 40-42°C.
There may be some relief in sight, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a change in weather conditions that could help clear the air. “There is a likelihood of very light rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h. Wind speeds may even peak at 50 km/h during the evening or night,” an IMD official stated.
Another meteorological source indicated that these conditions may continue into Saturday morning, bringing scattered showers and strong winds that could help disperse suspended dust particles and improve visibility.
Health professionals continue to advise residents — particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions — to avoid outdoor activities until the air quality improves. Prolonged exposure to high PM10 levels, they warn, can lead to breathing problems, eye irritation, and even cardiovascular stress.
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