Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' scattered rain expected in coming days

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi remained 'very poor' on Sunday with air quality index (AQI) crossing 350 in most parts of the national capital. At 4 pm on Sunday, the overall air quality index stood at 391, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

Meanwhile, scattered rainfall is also expected on December 12.

"A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India by December 11, scattered rainfall is expected on 12th and significant improvement in AQI is expecting," reported SAFAR.

However, many other areas in Delhi crossed the 400 mark entering the 'severe' category. At Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, DTU, Dwarka Sector – 8, Jahangirpuri, Sirifort, Rohini, Okhla Phase -2, Nehru Nagar the AQI stood at 469, 422, 411, 406, 401, 428, 400, 448, 415, 460.

Experts say the reason for the deteriorating air quality is due to calm wind condition that is likely to continue until Monday.

Meanwhile, Environment Ministry's SAFAR has forecasted suggest a slight deterioration of AQI for Monday, "but within the higher-end of very poor category."

"Marginal increase in surface winds and a slight improvement in AQI within the very poor category is forecasted for December 10," reported SAFAR.

Meanwhile, the cases of stubble burning have significantly come down, while no biomass is expected for the coming days.

As per the SAFAR-extended range warning model, Delhi's air quality is entering under the influence of radioactive fog, which is most prevalent during the fall and winter. It forms overnight as the air near the ground cools and stabilizes.

On the other hand, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius on Sunday with a cloud of smog affecting visibility said weather agencies.