Delhi woke up to light rain on Thursday morning, accompanied by ‘poor’ air quality and foggy conditions. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 262 at 6 a.m., indicating pollution levels that remain a concern for residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted intermittent light rain throughout the day, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 22°C and 12°C, respectively. However, the rainfall has done little to disperse pollutants, as many parts of the city recorded alarming AQI levels.
Areas such as Anand Vihar (320) and Jahangirpuri (317) fell into the ‘very poor’ category, while Vivek Vihar (305), Wazirpur (289), Rohini (298), and Ashok Vihar (291) also recorded high levels of air pollution. Other areas, including Patparganj (287), Pusa (268), ITO (263), Najafgarh (234), R.K. Puram (249), and Shadipur (203), remained within the higher range of the ‘poor’ category.
The dense fog caused by low temperatures further compounded the situation, disrupting visibility and delaying several flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early morning hours.
While the light rain offered some relief by helping settle dust particles, experts emphasized that the improvement in air quality is likely to be temporary. Sustained rainfall or stronger winds are required to significantly disperse pollutants.
The IMD has urged residents to exercise caution, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, as the current AQI levels pose a risk to vulnerable groups.
(With IANS inputs)
