Smoggy days may return to Delhi as wind slows down

Smog may return to Delhi as the wind speed slowing down. On Thursday, the smog cover was thicker and longer compared to the previous day.

Smog may return to Delhi as the wind is slowing down. On Thursday, the smog cover was thicker and longer compared to the previous day.

Thick smog near the Akshardham temple flyover last week,. According to data recorded at the IGI Airport, visibility has not been more than 800 m since 9 pm on Wednesday. Even during the daytime on Thursday, the visibility was recorded at 600-800m; compared to Wednesday’s visibility of 1200-1500m at the same time. (Raj K Raj/Hindustan Times)

According to data recorded at the IGI Airport, visibility has not been more than 800 m since 9 pm on Wednesday.

Even during the daytime on Thursday, the visibility was recorded at 600-800m; compared to Wednesday’s visibility of 1200-1500m at the same time.

The wind speed reduced considerably in the past few days. Experts had earlier said the cloud of smog had lifted on Tuesday due to wind. “The strong and continued winds helped disperse the smog-causing elements over a larger area,” said a weather expert.

As wind has been a determining factor in Delhi’s air quality, the slowing speed had raised concerns. “If wind speed drops below 6 kmph, and this continues for a few days, we may have reason to be worried. The pollutants may once again get trapped within the air,” explained the expert.

Read: NGT pulls up Delhi, Punjab and Haryana govts over air pollution, smog cover

Delhi residents can enjoy a cool day on Friday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be 29 and 12 degrees Celsius, respectively. Some moderate to shallow fog has also been predicted.