Delhi-NCR weather update: Poor air quality and Yamuna froth persist amid low wind speeds

Huge sheets of toxic chemical foam were floating in the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj on Saturday morning, marking the alarming levels of environmental pollution and bad air quality across the Delhi-NCR region. Real-time data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that several air quality monitors in Delhi-NCR have moved into the 'poor' AQI range (201-300), largely due to low wind speed and seasonal stagnation.

Polluted air pervading Delhi-NCR spots

CPCB monitoring of the air pollution levels shows alarming rise in pollution level at some spots across suburbs and industrial areas of Delhi-NCR:

Highest pollution level spots: AQI level at Alipur was 258, while at DTU and IIT Delhi, AQI readings were 251 and 227, respectively.

NCR suburb highest pollution levels: The highest AQI level was recorded in Noida Sector-62 at 270, and next at Noida Sector-125 at 212.

AQI moderate pollution spots: AQI level at Burari was 181, while at Anand Vihar it was 175.

According to CPCB's AQI standards, levels ranging between 0-50 are considered 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'

Yamuna river pollution reaches critical levels

The appearance of dense toxic froth at Kalindi Kunj highlights unmitigated surfactant and phosphate discharges entering the river from industrial effluents and untreated domestic sewage upstream.

Local authorities have deployed water-sprinkling teams and chemical defoaming agents near key riverbanks ahead of upcoming festive gatherings.

Delhi weather forecast and wind dynamics

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts partly cloudy skies across Delhi-NCR over the weekend, with variable wind speeds influencing pollutant dispersal.

Temperature ranges: Maximum daytime temperatures will range between 32°C and 34°C, with nighttime minimums hovering above normal between 18°C and 20°C.

Wind speed patterns: Easterly morning winds running up to 12 km/h will shift north-easterly during the afternoon, reaching peak speeds of 20 km/h before slowing to 16 km/h by evening.

Sunday outlook: Similar conditions will persist through Sunday, with minimum temperatures dropping slightly to between 17°C and 19°C.