Capital's Air Quality Deterioration: Current Status and Forecast

Despite a marginal drop in pollution levels, the air quality in the national capital continues to reside in the 'poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 279, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB recorded a 24-hour AQI average of 279 on Wednesday, a slight improvement from 294 on Tuesday and 301 on Monday, which fell under the 'very poor' category.

Nevertheless, several areas in Delhi recorded among the highest pollution levels, with Wazirpur (347), Vivek Vihar (339), Rohini (337), and Anand Vihar (331) all reporting AQI readings above 300, remaining within the 'very poor' range, according to data from the CPCB's Sameer app.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that the city's air quality will stay within the 'poor' category until October 31, potentially dropping to 'very poor' by November 1. The forecast for the coming six days indicates fluctuating air quality between 'poor' and 'very poor'. Meanwhile, the city's temperature has fallen to a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius, and shallow fog is predicted for Thursday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).