IMD Predicts Clear Skies, But Delhi’s AQI Slips Into ‘Severe’ Zone Again

The national capital experienced a sharp drop in temperature on Saturday. As the winter stepped in, the minimum temperature went down to 9.7 degrees Celsius, which is 3.8 degrees Celsius below the usual level for this time of year. This is also the first time this season that the minimum temperature has slipped below 10 degrees Celsius.

The city’s maximum temperature was also lower than normal. On Saturday, Delhi recorded 26.6 degrees Celsius, which is 1.9 degrees Celsius below the average.

Sunday Weather Forecast

For Sunday, November 16, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the minimum temperature is expected to stay between 09–11 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may range from 24–26 degrees Celsius.
The IMD also mentioned that Delhi’s sky will remain “mainly clear with mist” and there will be “shallow fog” during early morning hours.

Temperature Trend for the Coming Week

The IMD forecast for the next five days shows that Delhi’s minimum temperature will vary between 8–12 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature will stay between 23–27 degrees Celsius.

Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Severe’ in Several Areas

Despite the cold, pollution levels remain worrisome. On Sunday morning at 8 am, Delhi’s overall air quality remained ‘very poor’ with an AQI of 385.

However, several pockets of the city slipped into the ‘severe’ category. Locations such as Anand Vihar, Chandni Chowk, ITO, and Bawana recorded AQI levels of 412, 418, 417, and 436, respectively.

On Saturday as well, the city’s air was ‘very poor’ with an AQI of 386, based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Friday had the same ‘very poor’ classification, which was slightly better than earlier in the week, when the city battled ‘severe’ pollution.

AQI Levels Earlier in the Week

For three consecutive days Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Delhi recorded extremely high pollution levels, with AQIs of 428, 418, and 404. These readings made the air in the national capital hazardous.