From Scroll · Vaishnavi Rathore · · 1m 30s
El Niño Winter Threatens Delhi Pollution
El Niño could make Delhi's winter air pollution worse with less rain and slower winds.
In brief
El Niño could make Delhi's winter air pollution worse with less rain and slower winds. El Niño conditions may increase Delhi's pollution by reducing rain and slowing wind dispersion. Originally reported by Scroll.
Delhi pollution spikes
Delhi-NCR saw air quality index jump to 244 on October 21, the worst in 100 days.
El Niño's impact
El Niño with unprecedented strength could worsen winter pollution through reduced wind and rain.
Temperature rise
World Meteorological Organisation predicts sea surface temperature could rise 3.8 degree celsius above average.
Pollution trapping
Lower wind speeds trap pollutants longer, reducing dispersal during winter months.
Western disturbances
El Niño may reduce western disturbances causing rain in north-western India.
Monsoon deficit
El Niño year saw 13% monsoon deficit in india, delaying crop harvests.
Crop residue burning
Delayed harvests increase crop residue burning, worsening air pollution.
2023-24 data
2023-24 El Niño year had 30 very poor air quality days versus 20 or fewer in previous years.
2022-23 study
2022-23 La Niña year showed 30% reduction in pm2.5 levels in north indian cities.
Wind patterns
El Niño weakens winds, reducing pollutant dispersion in winter months.
Long-term studies
Experts say more long-term studies needed to confirm pollution-climate links.
Pollution solutions
Cities must target pollution sources like crop residue burning and transport emissions.
At a glance
El Niño conditions may increase Delhi's pollution by reducing rain and slowing wind dispersion.
