New Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 414 at 9 a.m.
A day earlier, the city’s AQI had reached 423 — the highest of the season so far. Under CPCB guidelines, readings between 401 and 500 indicate ‘severe’ pollution levels that pose serious health risks.
Alongside the pollution spike, temperatures continued to drop as winter conditions strengthened. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 10.4°C, which is 3.1°C below the seasonal average, TNIE reported.
The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with shallow fog likely to develop due to calm, cold weather.
Since Diwali, the capital’s air quality has consistently fluctuated between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ ranges, frequently slipping into the ‘severe’ zone as stagnant winds and lingering emissions limit air dispersion.