Delhi Air Quality Improves Slightly To ‘Poor’ Category As Cold Wave Persists

Delhi’s air quality improved marginally on Thursday morning. The Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app recorded the Air Quality Index at 279. The reading at 7:05 AM placed the city in the ‘poor’ category.

However, the national capital continued to grapple with severe cold wave conditions for the second consecutive day.

Although the overall AQI showed improvement from Wednesday’s 302 (‘very poor’), several areas of Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ category.

Nehru Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 344, followed by Anand Vihar (337) and Jahangirpuri (332). In addition, other localities, including RK Puram (326), Vivek Vihar (322), and Chandni Chowk (322), also registered high pollution levels.

Meanwhile, several areas reported ‘poor’ air quality. Sonia Vihar (298), IHBAS Dilshad Garden (298), Mundka (297), and Ashok Vihar (296) fell into this category.

Bawana was the only locality with ‘moderate’ air quality, logging an AQI of 174.

According to CPCB standards, AQI levels between 201 and 300 are classified as ‘poor’, while 301 to 400 fall under the ‘very poor’ category.

Delhi-NCR continued to experience dense fog and biting northwesterly winds, which contributed to the chilling cold and reduced visibility.

The maximum temperature on Wednesday reached 16.7°C, slightly higher than Tuesday’s 15.7°C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a steep rise in maximum temperatures on Thursday. It also indicated that temperatures will show minimal change over the next few days.

Furthermore, the IMD expects moderate to dense fog across Delhi and upper-level fog over the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The cold conditions are likely to persist until January 15, prompting authorities to issue a yellow alert for moderate to dense morning fog.

Despite the minor improvement in pollution levels, Delhi residents should take precautions against both poor air quality and the ongoing cold wave.

Visibility may remain low in several areas, and temperatures are expected to continue hovering below seasonal averages throughout the coming week.

Also Read: Cold Wave And Poor Air Quality Grip Delhi-NCR As AQI Crosses 300