Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Friday, 2.3 degrees above the seasonal average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. This marked a slight dip from Thursday’s minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius. Despite the drop, the temperatures remain relatively mild for this time of the year, offering a respite from the harsher cold spells typical of winter in the capital.
However, the city continues to grapple with poor air quality. At 9 am on Friday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 206, falling in the “poor” category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The AQI scale categorises air quality as “good” for levels between 0 and 50, “satisfactory” between 51 and 100, “moderate” between 101 and 200, “poor” between 201 and 300, “very poor” between 301 and 400, and “severe” between 401 and 500. Prolonged exposure to air in the “poor” category can cause respiratory issues, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
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Humidity levels in the city were exceptionally high on Friday morning, touching 100 per cent at 8:30 am, contributing to a chilly and damp start to the day. The weather office also forecasted moderate fog, which could impact visibility on roads, potentially disrupting morning commuters.
The IMD has predicted a maximum temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius for the day. Such conditions are expected to persist over the next few days, with Delhi likely to experience similar temperature patterns and air quality levels.
Residents are advised to monitor weather and pollution updates closely, limit outdoor activities, and use air purifiers or masks when venturing out, especially during peak pollution hours. Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of reducing vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants to improve air quality in the region
(With inputs from PTI)
