Delhi weather: Air quality ‘very poor’ in city

Delhi weather: Delhi’s air quality dipped into the “very poor” category on Thursday, with an AQI of 340 recorded at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Of the 38 air quality monitoring stations across the city, 32 reported AQI levels in the “very poor” range, highlighting the worsening pollution levels in the national capital.

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The AQI scale categorises air quality as “good” (0–50), “satisfactory” (51–100), “moderate” (101–200), “poor” (201–300), “very poor” (301–400), and “severe” (401–500).

With readings above 300, Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air quality that poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Adding to the challenges, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “yellow alert” for the upcoming days. A thunderstorm accompanied by rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday, which may offer temporary relief by dispersing pollutants. However, very dense fog is expected on Sunday, which could exacerbate the situation by trapping pollutants close to the ground.

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The IMD reported the minimum temperature in Delhi at 8.2 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 23 degrees Celsius, maintaining a mild winter pattern. These weather conditions, while typical for the season, contribute to the stagnation of pollutants, worsening the air quality.

Efforts to mitigate pollution remain critical as the city faces persistent smog and reduced visibility, underscoring the urgent need for both short-term measures and long-term strategies to address this recurring issue.