Delhi faces ‘severe’ air quality despite rainfall

Delhi recorded “severe” air quality on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 401 by 7 a.m. Light rain on Monday failed to reduce pollution significantly. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels between 401-450 fall under the “severe” category.

Bawana registered the highest AQI at 455, while Dilshad Garden recorded the lowest at 222, still categorized as “poor.” Foggy weather added to the challenge, with humidity levels reaching 95%. The city experienced a maximum temperature of 18.4°C, which is 2.3°C below average.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted cloudy skies and more light rain for Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 19°C. Surrounding regions, including Punjab and Haryana, also saw lower temperatures due to rainfall.

Meanwhile, parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced light snowfall, leading to road closures. In Kashmir, freezing temperatures persisted under a cold wave, intensifying the winter chill.