New Delhi: Air quality in the national capital showed a marginal improvement on Tuesday morning, though pollution levels continued to pose serious health concerns. The city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 377, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to official data.
This marks a slight drop from Monday’s readings, when the AQI had surged close to 500 in several areas, entering the ‘severe’ zone. Despite the improvement, smog continued to blanket large parts of the city during the early hours, significantly affecting visibility.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed that air quality remained uneven across Delhi. Out of 40 monitoring locations, 11 continued to report ‘severe’ pollution levels. Areas such as Jahangirpuri, Mundka and Wazirpur recorded some of the highest AQI figures, touching 426 on Tuesday morning.
Residents also woke up to chilly conditions, with the minimum temperature dipping to 8.3 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average. Weather officials have forecast daytime temperatures to range between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.
The AQI scale classifies readings between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’, while values above 400 fall under the ‘severe’ category, which can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Authorities continue to advise vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, to limit outdoor exposure as pollution levels remain hazardous.
