Delhi’s AQI Stays In ‘Poor’ Category; IMD Forecasts Clear Skies

Delhi’s air quality continued to be classified as ‘poor’ on Saturday, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mainly clear skies with morning mist. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius.

Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed varied Air Quality Index (AQI) readings across monitoring stations. Anand Vihar recorded 244, Aya Nagar 138, Bawana 219, Chandni Chowk 246, DTU 189, Dwarka-Sector 8 at 222, IIT Delhi 144, ITO 165, Jahangirpuri 241, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 228, Mandir Marg 149, Mundka 239, Nehru Nagar 250, Okhla Phase-2 214, Pusa 216, RK Puram 243, Sonia Vihar 223 and Wazirpur 222.

The 24-hour average AQI stood at 210 at 4 p.m. on Friday, slightly higher than Thursday’s 208 recorded at the same time.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), air quality is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category until Monday, after which it may fluctuate between ‘poor’ and ‘moderate’.

As per CPCB standards, AQI levels between 0–50 are considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and 401–500 ‘severe’.

Temperature Trends

The IMD reported that Friday’s maximum temperature touched 28.4 degrees Celsius, 2.9 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 12.8 degrees Celsius, one degree below the seasonal average.

Residents are currently experiencing cool mornings that transition into warmer afternoons, nearing 30 degrees Celsius. The weather department has indicated that similar conditions, clear skies with light morning mist, are expected in the coming days.

While no extreme weather events are predicted, early-hour visibility may be marginally affected. The gradual rise in daytime temperatures has brought some relief after the recent cold spell, marking a steady shift toward warmer conditions in the capital.

Also Read: Delhi Court to Hear Plea Seeking FIR Against Sonia Gandhi Over Voter List Entry