Delhi AQI Hits 226 as Air Quality Remains Poor

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 226, a day after the national capital registered its first poor air quality day of the season and touched a 100-day high of 245.

The deterioration in air quality prompted the Centre to invoke Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday.

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates After Dussehra

Delhi recorded an AQI of 245 on Wednesday, marking its highest level in 100 days. The decline in air quality followed Dussehra celebrations, during which Ravan effigies packed with firecrackers were burnt at several locations across Delhi and the NCR. However, no direct link has been established between the celebrations and the worsening air quality.

With the AQI remaining above 200, Delhi continues to experience poor air quality. Under the AQI classification, readings between 201 and 300 fall in the poor category, while levels between 101 and 200 are considered moderate.

Weather Forecast for Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a mainly clear sky for Thursday. The minimum temperature settled at 19.7 degrees Celsius, which was 1.7 degrees above the seasonal average, while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius.

Relative humidity was recorded at 89 per cent at 8:30 am, according to the IMD.
The air quality situation remains a concern as Delhi continues to record elevated pollution levels during the post-festival period.