Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The national capital experienced a chilly Sunday morning as the minimum temperature dipped to 10.3°C, two degrees below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The temperature was recorded at 12.5°C a day earlier, indicating a further decline in mercury levels. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ range.
The drop in temperature is attributed to the return of cooler northwesterly winds, with wind speeds reaching up to 15 km/h. However, IMD predicts a shift in weather patterns in the coming days.
“There will be increased cloudiness and a drop in wind speed, causing both maximum and minimum temperatures to rise this week. A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring light rain on February 27 and 28,” an IMD official stated.
Delhi’s Air Quality Shows Improvement
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) witnessed an improvement over the last 24 hours. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI stood at 138 (‘moderate’) at 9 AM on Sunday, a significant improvement from 155 (‘moderate’) recorded at the same time on Saturday.
The CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows:
• 0-50: Good
• 51-100: Satisfactory
• 101-200: Moderate
• 201-300: Poor
• 301-400: Very Poor
• Above 400: Severe
According to the Centre’s Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘moderate’ category until February 25. However, changing wind patterns and possible rainfall may further impact pollution levels in the coming days.