Delhi’s air quality showed signs of stress on Friday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 188, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. At the same time, the city recorded a slight drop in temperature, with the minimum settling at 9.8°C.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI stood at 188 at 9 am on Friday. This was higher than the 24-hour average of 164 recorded at 4 pm on Thursday. While the air remained in the moderate range, forecasts suggest that conditions may worsen over the weekend.
AQI may slip into ‘poor’ category
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi has projected a gradual deterioration in air quality. In its Friday morning bulletin, AQEWS said the AQI is likely to remain in the moderate category from Friday to Saturday. However, by Sunday, it is expected to move into the ‘poor’ category.
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“The air quality is likely to be in the moderate category from Friday to Saturday. The air quality is likely to be in the poor category on Sunday. The outlook for the subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in the poor to moderate category,” the bulletin by AQEWS stated.
This indicates that fluctuations between moderate and poor levels could continue in the coming days.
Temperature dips amid western disturbance
Alongside changes in air quality, the capital also saw a dip in minimum temperature. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Friday’s minimum at 9.8°C, which is 0.4°C below normal. A day earlier, the minimum temperature was 11.6°C.
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An IMD official said a fresh western disturbance began influencing the region on Friday, with another expected by Monday. Despite this, mainly clear skies are likely to persist through the weekend.
The minimum temperature is forecast to rise again, reaching around 12-14°C by Sunday. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 27-29°C over the next few days.
