Layer Of Smog Envelops Parts Of Delhi, AQI In 'Very Poor' Category - VISUALS

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to a thick layer of smog blanketing various areas, with air quality continuing to be a significant concern. The AQI remains fluctuating between the ' very poor' and 'poor' categories, causing ongoing health worries for locals. The IMD forecasts mist in the morning, which may add to visibility issues, followed by a mainly clear sky throughout the day. On Monday, the minimum temperature is expected to settle around 20 degrees Celsius, bringing slightly cooler conditions to the city despite the air quality challenges.

Delhi's AQIThe national capital's AQI stood in 'Very poor' category as of 7:30 am on Monday as per System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data. After a two-day gap, Delhi's air quality turned 'very poor' again on Sunday as calm winds prevented dispersion of pollutants. Some areas in the national capital recorded 'severe' pollution levels.Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region during winter, air quality is categorised into four stages: Stage I -- "Poor" (AQI 201-300); Stage II -- "Very Poor" (AQI 301-400); Stage III -- "Severe" (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV -- "Severe Plus" (AQI above 450).

#WATCH | A layer of smog engulfs the Anand Vihar area of Delhi as the AQI drops to 357, categorised as ' Very Poor' according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/sm9TzraqTd

— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2024

VIDEO | A thick layer of smog continues to envelop Delhi. Early morning visuals from India Gate area.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6xvDcBMJw4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 28, 2024

Biggest Contributor to the Rising Pollution LevelsVehicular emissions were the biggest contributor to Delhi's pollution on Sunday, accounting for approximately 13 per cent, according to the Centre's Decision Support System for Air Quality Management. It was predicted that vehicular emissions will remain the top contributor to Delhi's pollution over the next two days. Weekly ForecastFor the week, Delhi residents can expect consistent weather with mainly clear skies and morning mist from October 29 through November 2. Temperatures will gradually decrease, with highs around 34 degrees Celsius and lows dropping from 20 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Winds will shift slightly throughout the week, beginning from the southeast (SE) on October 29, then moving to the north-northwest (NNW) by October 31, and calming with light easterly breezes on November 2. No rain or thunderstorms are forecasted, and no significant weather impacts are expected. The IMD notes that forecast accuracy may decrease with a longer lead period, so residents should stay updated as the week progresses.(With agency inputs)