New Delhi: Residents of the national capital woke up to another day of poor air quality on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading 210, marking the second consecutive day in the ‘poor’ category. On Tuesday, the AQI stood slightly lower at 201, highlighting the persistent pollution levels affecting the city.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Delhi settled at 18.3 degrees Celsius, approximately 1.3 degrees below normal, signaling a cooler start to the day. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, with the weather office forecasting “mist haze” during morning hours, giving way to mainly clear skies later in the day.
The relative humidity was reported at 89 percent at 8:30 a.m., contributing to the lingering haze and a perception of dampness across the city.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies air quality into six categories:
• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–500: Severe
With Delhi’s AQI consistently above 200, authorities and citizens are urged to take necessary precautions, including limiting outdoor activities, wearing protective masks, and monitoring sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Experts attribute the persistent poor air quality to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal climatic conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground. As winter approaches, air stagnation and lower wind speeds could further exacerbate the situation.
For residents, while the slightly cooler temperatures provide temporary relief from daytime heat, the continuing “poor” air quality serves as a reminder of the urgent need for pollution control measures and sustained public awareness.