The national capital experienced a cooler-than-usual start to the day on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 19.7 degrees Celsius, three degrees below the seasonal average, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Humidity levels stood at 27 percent at 8:30 am, with the IMD forecasting a clear sky for the rest of the day. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 41 degrees Celsius.
Despite the pleasant morning, Delhi continued to grapple with deteriorating air quality. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 220 at 9 am, placing it in the “poor” category.
The CPCB classifies AQI levels between 201 and 300 as “poor”, indicating that air quality could cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease, older adults, and children. In contrast, an AQI between 0 and 50 is deemed “good”, while values above 400 fall into the “severe” category.
Authorities continue to urge residents to limit prolonged outdoor activity, especially during peak pollution hours, and to take precautions as high temperatures and pollution levels persist.