Air quality in Delhi has deteriorated recently, with the Air Quality Index reaching 187, indicating ‘Moderate’ conditions (Representative image)
NEW DELHI: The air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the higher end of the ‘Moderate’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 187, the highest level recorded in nearly three months, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 24-hour bulletin. Data from the pollution control board showed that particulate matter 10 (PM10) remained the prominent pollutant across the city, based on readings from 43 of the 46 active ambient air quality monitoring stations, news agency ANI reported. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 2.2 degrees above normal for this time of the season, according to the India Meteorological Department ‘s (IMD) past 24-hour overview. The minimum temperature was 23.8 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees above the seasonal average. Relative humidity was recorded at 51%, with no rainfall reported over the past 24 hours. The recent rise in pollution levels comes after Delhi recorded its lowest monthly average AQI for September in five years, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on September 30.
On the weather front, dry and warm conditions prevailed over Delhi. Delhi is likely to see mainly clear skies on Monday, followed by isolated thunderstorms with rain that could bring temporary respite on Tuesday, according to the weather department’s seven-day forecast.