Today, February 20, Hanoi ranks first in the world in air pollution.

(NLDO) - This morning, the IQAir air pollution index measuring application ranked Hanoi as the most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 227.

Fog and fine dust make the sky in Hanoi hazy. Photo: Nguyen Huong

On February 20, Hanoi experienced dense fog and fine dust, limiting people's visibility when moving.

Also on the morning of February 20, the air quality index (AQI⁺) and PM2.5 air pollution in Hanoi were rated as the most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 227, very unhealthy. The current PM2.5 concentration is 30.6 times the annual guideline value for PM2.5 of the World Health Organization (WHO).

With such air quality, it is recommended that people avoid exercising outdoors; close windows to avoid dirty air outside; wear masks when going out; and run air purifiers indoors.

Air quality in Hanoi on the morning of February 20 is very unhealthy

The AQI is an air quality index that ranges from 0-500, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of pollution and health impacts. Readings above 300 are considered unhealthy, while 0-50 indicate good air quality.

According to Dr. Hoang Duong Tung - Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, air pollution occurs due to poor control of pollution sources, from traffic, construction... Moreover, in winter, it does not create conditions for dispersion, so the concentration of pollution is high.

Live AQI⁺ city ranking. Source: iqair.com

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on February 20, the weather in the North and North Central regions will have light rain and scattered drizzle; cold at night and in the morning, with some mountainous areas experiencing severe cold.

Around February 22, a cold air mass is forecast to return to the North and be continuously replenished on February 23 and 24. From February 23, many places in the North will be very cold, with some highland areas experiencing severe cold. From February 25 to 26, there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms. The night and morning will be cold.

Hanoi weather forecast is for continued drizzle and fog until the weekend. From February 19 to 22, the lowest temperature in Hanoi will range from 15-18 degrees Celsius, the highest will be 19-21 degrees Celsius.

From February 23, Hanoi's weather cooled down, with the highest temperature only 17-18 degrees Celsius during the day, and about 14-16 degrees Celsius at night.

The meteorological agency said that the current damp spell in Hanoi and many places in the North could last until the end of this week. When strong cold air moves down to the North around February 23, this damp spell will end.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/hom-nay-20-2-ha-noi-dung-dau-the-gioi-ve-o-nhiem-khong-khi-196250220123941226.htm