Delhi Pollution Stays Elevated as AQI Touches 179, No Rain in Sight

Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category on Monday, with the average AQI recorded at 179 at 8 am, even as clear skies and above-normal temperatures prevailed in the national capital.

The latest reading followed Sunday's AQI of 187, which was the city's highest level in 83 days. The air quality had last touched a higher level on July 13, when the AQI stood at 246.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 101 and 200 is classified as moderate, while readings between 201 and 300 fall in the poor category.

The city's minimum temperature was recorded at 23.8 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees above normal. Among different weather stations, Palam recorded 22.6 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 22.3 degrees, Ayanagar 22.2 degrees and Ridge 20 degrees.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mainly clear skies during the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach 36 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours till 8.30 am on Monday.

The worsening air quality comes after Delhi recorded a steady rise in pollution levels over the past few days. On Sunday, several monitoring stations recorded poor air quality, with Mundka registering an AQI of 273 and Narela 257.

Meanwhile, data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute showed 203 stubble-burning incidents across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh between September 15 and October 3. Delhi recorded one such incident during the period.

Weather conditions, including reduced rainfall and weaker dispersion of pollutants, are expected to remain important factors as the city heads towards the winter pollution season.