Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR and several adjoining areas woke up to monstrous rains and thunderstorms on the morning of January 8, which increased the air quality. The rainfall received was 40.6 mm, as per IMD reports. Following the rains, Delhi's air quality improved to 95 (AQI), which is termed "satisfactory". "The air quality is likely to remain in moderate category on Sunday and moderate to poor category on Monday," said Weather Department.

Delhi recorded a temperature of 3.2 degrees Celsius on December 20. It's the lowest temperature for this 'winter season', reported UNI. However, the IMD issued a 'yellow alert' (severely bad weather) in the National Capital, stating cold waves will continue along with drizzling on December 24 and 25. Reportedly, the morning temperature is recorded at 3° and it is expected to go upto 19°. 

After days of efforts, the Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) is now under 'very Poor' category from the previous 'severe category'. On December 18, the National Capital recorded 319 AQI, reported SAFAR. Meanwhile, to control the AQI further, the Delhi Government extended ban on entry of non-essential trucks in the city, until further orders. Furthermore, the Government also announced to resume schools for classes 6 onwards, from December 18.

Delhi's air quality, on November 29, remained in the "very poor" category with a 370 Air Quality Index (AQI). Moreover, Mathur Road and Delhi University's AQI are at 406 and 416, respectively, reported to be "Severe Category" by SAFAR.  AQI of Gurugram (369) and Noida (391) are also worsening under the "very poor" category.  However, slight improvement is expected on November 29-30, due to high wind speed.

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have been hit by their first "severe" smog outbreak. On November 10, the green think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) predicted that it would endure another two days. The contribution of smoke peaked on November 7, when it reached 48%, as per reports. This is the second-highest daily contribution percentage recorded since 2018.