Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 27: Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast partly cloudy skies with chances of very light rain towards the evening.

According to the IMD, the minimum temperature in the national capital was recorded at 17.3°C, just 0.1 degree above normal, while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 29°C. The humidity level stood at 94% at 8:30 am, the weather office said.

As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas such as Bawana and Anand Vihar recorded severe air quality, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of 401 and 431, respectively. Out of 38 monitoring stations across Delhi, 23 reported very poor air quality, with readings above 300.

On Sunday, the city’s air quality had seen a slight improvement, slipping into the ‘poor’ category after remaining ‘very poor’ for most of the day. The AQI was recorded at 292 in the evening, down from 324 in the morning.

The minimum temperature of 15.8°C on Sunday was the lowest recorded in October in the last two years. In comparison, Delhi had recorded 15.9°C in October 2023 and 17.4°C in October 2022.

According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe.

With the onset of winter and rising pollution levels, authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Environmental experts have also warned that stubble burning and stagnant winds could worsen air quality in the coming weeks.