New Delhi, 15 Feb (.) National capital’s air quality deteriorated again on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) returning to the ‘poor’ category at 221, after showing signs of improvement earlier this week, the weather department said.

According to the Sameer app, even as the cold spell has eased, giving way to milder weather and clear mornings, air quality remains a concern, with 24 out of 40 monitoring stations reporting ‘poor’ AQI readings. Several monitoring stations in Delhi reported ‘poor’ AQI levels, while others fell in the ‘moderate’ category, renewing concerns over residents’ exposure to polluted air.

Although the winter’s departure had briefly brought warmer days and cleaner air, the improvement appears to be short-lived. Amid fading winter conditions, Delhi’s temperature on Sunday is forecast to touch a high of 27 degrees Celsius, while dipping to around 11 degrees C at night, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The Met Department has forecast a misty start to the day in Delhi. According to its daily weather bulletin, minimum temperatures are likely to increase by 1 to 3 degrees C in the coming four days before dipping by 1 to 2 degrees C. Overall, they are expected to stay within the normal range for the next seven days, barring February 18, when they may be above normal by 1.6 degrees C to 3.0 degrees C.

“Mainly clear sky on 14,15,16, 19 & 20 February, partly cloudy sky on 17 February, and generally cloudy sky on 18 February. Mist during morning hours during the next 7 days,” the weather department stated.

. DSV PPP RSA