Delhi-NCR Air Quality Remains ‘Poor’ As AQI Stands At 214

Air quality across Delhi-NCR remained in the ‘poor’ category on Monday, with slow wind speeds contributing to rising pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 214 at around 7 a.m.

On Sunday, the AQI was recorded at 221 at the same time, slightly worse than Saturday’s 197, indicating a continued deterioration in air quality.

Data from CPCB showed high pollution readings at several locations. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 300, Ashok Vihar 266, Burari Crossing 240, DTU 205, Dwarka Sector-8 237, IIT Delhi 137, ITO 204, Jahangiripuri 288, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 244, Mandir Marg 159, Narela 248, Okhla Phase-2 216, Patparganj 224, Pusa 216, R.K. Puram 245, Rohini 282, Sonia Vihar 252 and Wazirpur 272.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday likened Delhi’s air quality to a gas chamber and said residents in his state were experiencing cleaner air despite rapid development.

Warm Weather Likely To Persist

The India Meteorological Department has forecast rain and thunderstorms over parts of northern India on February 16 and in the following days. However, Delhi’s maximum temperature is expected to remain high, nearing 30 degrees Celsius.

Between February 1 and 15, the average maximum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above the long-period average. On Sunday, the maximum reached 28.5 degrees Celsius, about four degrees above normal. It is likely to touch 29 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday.

During the first half of February, maximum temperatures remained above normal on 14 out of 15 days, peaking at 28.6 degrees Celsius on February 10. A feeble western disturbance may bring isolated drizzles on Wednesday, but any temperature dip of 1-2 degrees is expected to be brief, with heat building up again after February 19.