Delhi AQI Hits 379; Punjabi Bagh Records Severe 458

Delhi continued to grapple with hazardous air pollution on Wednesday, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 379, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Punjabi Bagh emerged as the worst-affected area, recording an AQI of 458, which falls under the ‘Severe’ category. The city’s AQI had also remained in the ‘Very Poor’ category on Tuesday at 332.

According to CPCB classifications, an AQI of 0–50 is considered ‘Good’, 51–100 ‘Satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘Moderate’, 201–300 ‘Poor’, 301–400 ‘Very Poor’ and 401–500 ‘Severe’.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded relatively warmer morning temperatures on Wednesday. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung, the city's primary weather station, settled at 16.1 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees above the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Among other weather stations, Palam recorded 16.9 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees above normal, while Lodhi Road registered 16.1 degrees Celsius, 3.1 degrees above normal. The Ridge station recorded 16.4 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees below normal, and Ayanagar reported 16.6 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees above the seasonal average.

No rainfall was recorded at any of Delhi's five weather stations during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Wednesday, as the national capital continued to face challenging air quality conditions.