Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Dips to 'Very Poor'; Fog Reduces Visibility

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category on Friday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 309 at 9 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city's pollution level further climbed to 311 in the hourly update, while temperatures continued to fall.

Out of the 38 air-monitoring stations in the national capital, 26 recorded 'very poor' air quality. Bawana remained the most polluted area with an AQI of 366, followed by Jahangirpuri at 348. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels between 0–50 as good, 51–100 as satisfactory, 101–200 as moderate, 201–300 as poor, 301–400 as very poor, and 401–500 as severe.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 12.7 degrees Celsius, which is 1.6 degrees below normal. The relative humidity at 8:30 a.m. was 67 percent, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 26 degrees Celsius during the day.

A layer of shallow fog continued to blanket the city, leading to low visibility in several areas, the IMD said. The fog is expected to persist through the day, adding to the discomfort caused by the thick pollution hanging over the national capital.