Delhi Sees Brief Respite from Pollution, But Forecast Warns of Deterioration Ahead

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Delhi experienced a slight improvement in air quality for the second day in a row, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) dipping to 234 on Thursday, categorizing it as 'poor'. This marks a significant decrease from Tuesday's AQI of 412, which was classified as 'severe'. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) attributed the improvement to a decrease in pollution levels from neighboring cities, despite transport emissions and pollution from these areas continuing to contribute significantly to Delhi's air pollution load. Of the 40 functional air quality monitoring stations in the city, 10 recorded moderate AQI levels below 200, while 27 remained in the poor category. Two stations, Jahangirpuri and Bawana, recorded very poor air quality with AQI readings above 300. According to data from the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management, vehicular emissions were the largest contributor to Delhi's pollution load on Wednesday, accounting for 18.5 per cent. The data also showed that Jhajjar in Haryana contributed the highest share to Delhi's pollution at 17.6 per cent. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast predicts a deterioration in air quality in the coming days, warning that it may reach the very poor category. On the weather front, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, 1.9 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 6.5 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal. The India Meteorological Department forecast a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius for Christmas Day on Friday, with moderate fog expected.