Delhi air quality touches 'severe' again; overall AQI reads 382

New Delhi: The air quality of the national Capital touched the 'severe' level in many areas by Thursday evening due to falling temperature and calm winds.

However, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at an average of 382 by 4 pm.

Meanwhile, other areas — Dwarka Sector – 8 (383), Sirifort (362), RK Puram (335), Pusa (367), Punjabi Bagh (395) — remained in 'very poor' category for the second consecutive day. Environment Ministry's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) has forecasted: "Calm surface winds and a decrease in ventilation coefficient for the coming days and condition is conducive for the pollutant accumulation."

At Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, DTU, ITO, Mundka, Wazirpur, Vivek Vihar, Rohini, Okhla the AQI level stood at 439, 440, 432, 420, 405, 410, 452, 450, 449 respectively.

Further deterioration is also forecasted for Friday, while AQI is likely to stay at the border of "very poor" to "severe" category until December 7.

On the other hand, SAFAR has forecasted decreasing trend in the number of stubble burning cases. "The SAFAR multi-satellite fire product estimated 228 counts on December 4 and showing a decreasing trend," it reported.

On Wednesday, the minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to 7.9 degrees Celsius, the season's lowest.

The minimum temperature is likely to drop further due to cold winds blowing from the hills, according to experts. The city recorded a high of 24 degrees Celsius, which was a notch below the normal.

Weather experts have said the minimum temperature is likely to drop to seven degrees Celsius by Friday, which might deteriorate the air pollution further. Doctors have advised children and senior citizens to be extra careful during this time.