After days of heavy smog and dangerous pollution, Delhi-NCR experienced a significant boost in air quality on Saturday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to 264, categorizing it as ‘poor’. This positive change followed the first rainfall of the season on Friday, offering relief from the persistently high pollution levels in the region.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the average AQI at 7 a.m. was 264. While air quality stayed ‘poor’ at 29 monitoring stations in the morning, four stations each reported ‘very poor’ and ‘moderate’ air quality. Some areas like Anand Vihar, Chandni Chowk, and Wazirpur remained close to ‘very poor’ levels with AQI readings above 300.
In contrast, certain locations showed improvement compared to previous days. NSIT recorded an AQI of 113, while Lodhi Road and Shadipur had readings of 173 and 187, respectively, indicating cleaner air quality. The India Meteorological Department forecasted a cloudy sky over the national Capital with the possibility of shallow to moderate fog in the morning hours.
Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to range between 7 to 16 degrees Celsius. The IMD mentioned that Delhi’s temperatures are likely to be near normal for the minimum and below normal for the maximum. The city experienced its first rainfall of the year on Friday, resulting in a significant drop in temperatures and a temporary respite from high pollution levels.
