Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: Night temperatures have started declining across most parts of Odisha, bringing a slight chill to the state. At the same time, air pollution levels in Bhubaneswar remained a major concern following widespread firecracker bursting during Diwali celebrations.

Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 25°C on Sunday. However, the city's air quality deteriorated significantly due to firecracker smoke, leaving several areas shrouded in haze.

The city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 274 during the night. AG Colony reported the highest AQI of 324, followed by Chintamaniswar at 307, BJB Nagar at 297, Bapuji Nagar at 295, Balakati at 294 and Jagamara at 291. Hanspal recorded an AQI of 245, while Nandan Vihar registered 225.

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Air pollution levels remained a serious concern across several parts of the city. The rise in air and noise pollution reportedly caused difficulties for residents, particularly those suffering from respiratory illnesses and elderly people.

According to the report, the pollution reading peaked at 1,444 around 11 pm before gradually declining. By 7 am, the average AQI had dropped to 197.

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast a further decline in night temperatures across Odisha. Minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next three to four days. Thereafter, no significant change in night temperatures is expected across most districts.

For Bhubaneswar and its adjoining areas, the weather is likely to remain partly cloudy over the next 24 hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 31°C and 21°C, respectively.

The weather department has also forecast light to moderate rainfall at isolated places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts on November 11. On November 12, similar rainfall is likely at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj.

Furthermore, various weather models indicate the possibility of a low-pressure area forming around November 13, which may influence weather conditions in the state.