Delhi gets some relief as air quality improves to ‘moderate’, mercury dips

Delhi: The national capital experienced a chilly morning on Sunday as the minimum temperature dropped to 7.1 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This reading was 1.2 degrees below the average temperature typically observed during this time of year.

The weather department predicted misty conditions throughout the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach approximately 23 degrees Celsius. At 8:30 am, the relative humidity in the city was recorded at 72 percent, indicating a moderately moist atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “moderate” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 196 reported at 9 am. The AQI is used to measure and classify air quality, providing insights into pollution levels. An AQI reading between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” while 51 to 100 falls under the “satisfactory” category. The “moderate” range is between 101 and 200, beyond which the air quality deteriorates to “poor” (201-300), “very poor” (301-400), and “severe” (401-500).

Residents of the city woke up to these brisk weather conditions and relatively cleaner air compared to the severe pollution levels often seen during winter months. The IMD’s forecast for the day highlighted the likelihood of mild mist, adding to the seasonal charm of January mornings in Delhi. However, the ongoing “moderate” air quality status served as a reminder of the city’s recurring air pollution challenges, despite slight improvements in recent days.

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As the cold wave continues to influence northern India, Delhiites are expected to experience similar weather conditions over the coming days, with a gradual rise in temperatures anticipated by the end of the week.

(With inputs from PTI)