This year, India celebrated Diwali for two days: 31 October and 1 November 2024. Every year, Air quality shows a drastic change because of many factors. But the 2024 Delhi Diwali air quality shows a new trend.
In this blog learn about the Delhi air quality during Diwali and post diwali this year. Also, explore what other factors affect Delhi AQI during Diwali. Because post-Diwali AQI levels were recorded at the lowest. So let us begin with Air quality trends in 2024 Diwali.
What was the Delhi Diwali Air Quality in 2024?
Diwali is the biggest Indian Festival, brightening every part of the country with lights and celebrations. Every Indian celebrates the festival with various activities, including firecracker shows. Moreover, every year, Diwali falls when weather conditions start changing and winter approaches.
In 2024, Diwali was different from previous years, as everyone celebrated the festive two days. It increases happiness, fun, celebrations, and beauty two times. However, air quality in Delhi during Diwali shows a new face every year. So what is new this year? Firstly, let us check what is the air quality in Delhi on Diwali 2024:
To illustrate, Using AQI data of Karkarduma (31st Oct. to 1st Nov. 2024):
The data collected from Karkarduma shows a significant increase in AQI levels as evening approached on Diwali day, October 31. Here’s a breakdown of the AQI trends during this period:
Before Diwali Celebrations:
As per the AQI readings, air quality was in the “Unhealthy” category at around 12 PM on 31st October 2024. Till 6 PM, air quality in Delhi remained around 300 and in the “Unhealthy” category. AQI levels above 200 can cause various problems for sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, pregnant women or people with other health conditions.
When the celebrations begin:
From 6 PM onwards, AQI crossed the 300 level and reached in “Severe” category. With each hour AQI climbed the stairs of 400, 500, 600. At 11 PM, AQI levels in Delhi reached 799 in the “Hazardous” category. The entire city’s air quality reaches dangerous levels and air filled with many harmful pollutants.
Midnight Peak: The Worst of Diwali Air Quality
12 AM, Midnight Peak: AQI levels during midnight in Delhi reached the highest at 806 and in the “Hazardous” range. Even short-term exposure to these levels can lead to various health problems in any healthy person.
Air quality in Delhi on Diwali and post-Diwali:
After the midnight peak, Delhi AQI levels remained in the “Hazardous” category. Although these levels decreased in number, they remained dangerous for everyone. Until sunrise, AQI levels were still more than 400.
Comparing Pre- and Post-Diwali AQI Levels:
The data reveals a stark contrast in air quality before and after Diwali celebrations:
- Pre-Diwali Average (12 PM – 6 PM, Oct 31): ~260 AQI
- Diwali Evening Average (6 PM – 12 AM): ~550 AQI
- Post-Diwali Early Morning Average (12 AM – 8 AM, Nov 1): ~550 AQI
- Post-Diwali Day Average (11 AM – 6 PM, Nov 1): ~155 AQI
Air Quality Levels in Delhi after Diwali:
Here check the AQI levels in Delhi post Diwali! The next day morning, Delhi AQI soars at 400. But till midday, AQI levels became better and reached around 200 in the “Unhealthy” category. After this, AQI levels started decreasing and reached till “Poor” category. Moreover, till 4:00 PM on 1st November, AQI levels reached 89 in the “Moderate” category. Delhi was breathing moderate air quality. It is due to various reasons but the weather conditions can be the major points. Temperature and wind speed play a major role in changes in AQI levels.
Wind speeds have had a major effect on changing the AQI levels in Delhi. Here check how Delhi AQI reached the Moderate category just another day of Diwali:
Analyzing the correlation between Wind Speed and AQI levels in Delhi post-Diwali:
Key Findings
Increased in wind speed improved AQI:
At 11 AM, AQI levels in Delhi started improving and reached in “Unhealthy” category till midday. The wind speed of 11.2 km/h increased and made AQI levels better. By 1:00 PM, AQI levels were 168 in the “Poor” category due to increased windspeed at 13.7 km/h.
Continuous improvement with higher wind speeds:
The clear sky trend secures its position in the “Moderate” category as AQI levels at 89 by 4:00 PM and with 13.3 km/h speed levels in Delhi. The day recorded the cleanest air in Delhi after Diwali 2024.
Decline in wind speed and rising AQI:
AQI levels again started increasing by 6:00 PM as wind speed decreased to 6.8 km/h. With every drop in wind speed increased the air quality levels. At 9:00 PM AQI again reached in “Hazardous” category. Moreover, the wind was flowing at a speed of 3.6 km/h.
Conclusion
2024 Delhi Diwali Air Quality has a new trend this year. Still, levels were higher than the recommended AQI levels. On Diwali AQI levels showed a peak of 800 on many locations in Delhi. But the post-diwali trend helped in decreasing the levels. The wind speed and AQI levels have a compelling correlation that helps in improving or can affect the air pollution level in any place.
