Mercury dips below 10°C, air quality still 'very poor'

NEW DELHI: Delhi's temperature on Wednesday dipped to 9.6° Celsius from Tuesday's minimum of 10.2, even as pollution levels continued to remain in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday.

The temperature recorded on Wednesday was two notches below the season's average and officials of the Meteorological Department said the maximum temperature will be around 24° Celsius. The maximum temperature on Tuesday was 24.2° Celsius, two notches below the season's average.

Though the Capital woke up to a clear sky, the air quality index (AQI) on Wednesday remained 320.

"The sky will remain clear throughout the day with mist on Thursday morning. Visibility at Safdarjung was 3,000 metre while it was 1,800 metre at Palam," the MeT official said.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI — a number based on the readings of particulate matter and toxic gases — stood at 328 classified as 'very poor' at 8.30 am on Wednesday.

'Very poor; is an improvement over 'severe' category for the index, which is measured between 401 and 500. Wednesday's AQI was almost the same as it was on Tuesday.

Forecasts say that with strong wind speed, air quality will continue to remain in the 'very poor' category over the next few days, which is normal during the November month. Levels of particulate matter are well below the severe range.

AQI on Saturday and Sunday were 'poor' levels, with 298 and 292 index values respectively. It became fouler with 326 index value on Monday, entering 'very poor' category.