Air Quality Index Remains ‘Very Poor’ in Delhi

Bhubaneswar: The air quality index (AQI) continued to be in the very poor range in the national capital for the eighth day in a row and the visibility dropped to 800 metres on Tuesday. It has dropped below the 1,000 metres mark for the first time at Safdarjung this winter. In 2023, the first shallow fog episode was recorded on October 31. In 2022, it was first observed on October 12. According to IMD officials, high temperatures this year have led to a delay in fog and smog formation. “Fog and smog formation is aided by high humidity, low temperatures and calm winds. This year, the temperatures have started dipping only in the past two-three days and the fog/smog episodes have been delayed,” an official said.

On Tuesday, the minimum temperature was recorded as 17.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, while the maximum was 32.6 degrees Celsius, also two degrees above normal. As per the IMD forecast, the minimum temperature is expected to be between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius through the rest of the week, while the maximum is expected to be between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius.

October this year was the warmest on record, which has also kept the AQI levels in the city from turning severe.