Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Friday, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging to 332, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category.
Air quality monitors showed 30 stations reporting ‘very poor’ air, while Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 405, entering the ‘severe’ band.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
Air to Remain ‘Very Poor’ for a Week
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecast indicates that Delhi’s air quality is expected to remain ‘very poor’ through Saturday, with no major improvement predicted over the next six days.
Cold Conditions Add to the Discomfort
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 8°C, which is 0.6°C below normal.
Relative humidity touched 100%, intensifying the smog formation.
The day’s maximum temperature is expected to reach 25°C, the IMD said.
