November 2, 2024: In a notable development for the capital, Delhi has registered its second cleanest air quality following Diwali celebrations since 2015. This year's conditions have maintained a “very poor” Air Quality Index (AQI) instead of deteriorating to “severe,” a feat largely attributed to robust wind ventilation.

On Thursday evening, the AQI rose steadily, peaking at 362 by 9 AM Friday. However, an unexpected shift occurred as strong winds, reaching speeds of 16 kilometers per hour, swept across the city, effectively dispersing the dense smoke from fireworks and other pollutants. By 4 PM, the AQI had improved to 339, further declining to 323 by 7 PM.

The spike in air pollution had initially been driven by increased fireworks usage, stubble burning, and emissions from various local sources, which released significant amounts of toxic gases. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet meteorology, explained the dynamics at play, stating that higher temperatures allowed for greater mixing of air, helping to disperse pollutants. “While winter months typically see the mixing height drop to 200-300 metres, Thursday maintained a mixing height of 2,100 metres, facilitating the movement and dispersion of pollutants,” he noted.

This year’s post-Diwali air quality presents a stark contrast to previous years, where severe pollution levels often prevailed in the days following the festival.