Delhi Sees Slight Improvement in Air Quality, But Remains in 'Poor' Category

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Delhi experienced a slight respite in its air quality on Monday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) improving to 244, categorizing it as 'poor.' However, four stations in the city still recorded 'very poor' air quality, with Chandni Chowk being the worst at 321. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) classification, Delhi's pollution load was primarily driven by transport, accounting for 13.7%, followed by peripheral industries at 11.4%, and residential sources at 3.3%. The AQI is expected to remain 'moderate' on January 6, deteriorate to 'poor' on January 7 and 8, and stay in the 'poor' to 'very poor' range over the subsequent six days. Meanwhile, Delhi's weather remained cool, with the maximum temperature settling at 18.5 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees below normal, and the minimum temperature recorded at 6.6 degrees Celsius, 0.3 degrees below the seasonal average. The relative humidity stood at 92% in the morning and rose to 99% by the evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a minimum temperature of around 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with the maximum temperature expected to settle near 19 degrees Celsius. Moderate fog is likely to occur during the morning hours over the next two days, with minimum temperatures expected to fall after the western disturbance moves away.