New Delhi: The national capital's air quality remained "poor" on Friday and is likely to slip into the "very poor" category by Sunday, officials said.
The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 208, which falls in the "poor" category. The city experienced poor air quality for the first time this season on Thursday, the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded Delhi's air quality in the "poor" category on Friday, with an AQI of 216 and PM10 — particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter — and PM2.5 as the prominent pollutants.
Particles narrower than 10 micrometres are the most hazardous because they can get deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream. The city's AQI is predicted to slip to 239 on Saturday.
The SAFAR said biomass fire counts in Punjab and Haryana have increased significantly over the last two days and will now start influencing Delhi's AQI.
The national capital's AQI may start deteriorating from October 13, "towards very poor", it said.