New Delhi: On Saturday, Delhi experienced a chilly start as the minimum temperature plummeted to 10 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of four notches below the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD further forecasted that the maximum temperature for the day would hover around 27 degrees Celsius. Additionally, strong surface winds are expected to sweep across the region during the daytime.
However, despite the relatively cool weather, the overall air quality in the city deteriorated, falling under the ‘poor’ category on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
In the Anand Vihar area, PM 2.5 levels stood at 300, while PM 10 reached 259, both categorized as ‘poor’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: ‘good’ (0-50), ‘satisfactory’ (51-100), ‘moderate’ (101-200), ‘poor’ (201-300), ‘very poor’ (301-400), and ‘severe’ (401-500).
Similarly, in Dwarka Sector 8, PM 2.5 levels were recorded at 346, with PM 10 at 318, both falling under the ‘very poor’ category. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially those vulnerable to respiratory issues, due to the air quality conditions.