With Delhi's air quality index deteriorating, pollution levels have spiked. Hopes that rain might wash away the toxic haze hanging over the capital will have to wait, as showers remain unlikely across the northern plains.
Though there might be rainfall over the Himalayan region due to the western disturbance, there is no significant weather activity reported in Delhi for the coming few days. However, the meteorologists are closely monitoring another low-pressure developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
The IMD has not forecast any significant weather activity over west and central India during the week. No specific rainfall or thunderstorm warning has been mentioned for Delhi-NCR in the latest forecast.
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality index was recorded in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with the AQI settling at 323, the CPCB data showed. Stubble burning in neighbouring states is contributing to the rising pollution levels across the national capital.
The national capital is battling rising pollution levels after Diwali, with stubble burning in neighbouring states contributing to the deterioration.
Many other stations like IIT Delhi and Delhi IITM recorded an AQI of 416, while NSUT Jaffarpur and Delhi DPCC recorded 404. Anand Vihar recorded 319, and DTU Delhi recorded 372.
According to the CPCB, an Air Quality Index (AQI) between 0 and 50 is classified as 'good', 51 and 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 as 'moderate', 201 and 300 as 'poor', 301 and 400 as 'very poor', and 401 and 500 as 'severe'.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fog or mist in the early morning and a partly cloudy sky on Thursday. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 28 degrees Celsius.
