Toxic haze envelopes Delhi, air quality remains 'very poor'

New Delhi: Delhi was blanketed by a thick layer of smog on Monday morning with the air quality remaining on the higher end of the 'very poor' category.

The national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 373 at 9 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Eleven of the 39 monitoring stations in the city recorded 'severe' pollution levels with AQI readings above 400, the data showed.

The areas with 'severe' air quality are Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, New Moti Bagh, NSIT Dwarka, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, Wazirpur, and Vivek Vihar.

Despite a temporary relief provided by winds, the national capital saw a spike in pollution levels following a sudden spike in stubble burning from the day of Diwali, October 31.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 16.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The relative humidity level was recorded at 83 per cent at 8:30 am.

The IMD said the maximum temperature in the city is likely to settle around 33.2 degrees Celsius during the day.