Foggy morning in Delhi, mercury settles at 7.6 deg C

Delhi experienced a foggy Saturday morning as the minimum temperature settled at 7.6 degrees Celsius, slightly below the season’s average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The city’s air quality showed significant improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) declining to 392, categorised as ‘very poor’, compared to 429 on Friday, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Key areas recorded the following AQI levels: Anand Vihar at 414, Dwarka Sector 8 at 413, Rohini at 425, Lodhi Road at 362, and Delhi University’s North Campus at 376.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’.

Delhi continues to remain under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the most stringent anti-pollution measures. These include a ban on construction activities and the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into the city.

Humidity levels were recorded at 100% at 8:30 am, the IMD reported. The maximum temperature for the day is expected to reach 23 degrees Celsius.

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The weather office has forecasted dense fog over the weekend, which will likely reduce visibility further. However, light to moderate rainfall is expected on December 26, which could bring temporary relief from the toxic air.

(With inputs from PTI)