New Delhi, Jan 31: Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 271 around 7 a.m., according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several monitoring stations across the city reported concerning AQI levels, ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor.’

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 331, Bawana at 262, Burari Crossing at 251, and Chandni Chowk at 287, among other areas. Notably, areas like Jahangirpuri and Mundka recorded AQI levels of 310 and 332, respectively, indicating severe pollution. The AQI in the neighboring Noida areas was also alarming, with Sector 125 at 323, Sector 116 at 322, and Sector 1 at 305.

As per CPCB’s AQI classification, an AQI between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 is ‘very poor,’ and 401 to 500 is categorized as ‘severe.’ The air quality in Delhi continues to pose health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.

In addition to the ongoing air quality concerns, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rainfall for Delhi on January 31. The IMD has issued a ‘Yellow alert’ for the city, predicting very light to light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in the evening. Similar weather conditions, including light rainfall and thunderstorm activity, are expected to persist during the night.

The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to reach around 21°C, with a minimum of 7°C. On Friday morning, Delhi had already recorded a minimum temperature of 7.7°C, while the air quality remained poor throughout the day.

Looking ahead, the IMD has warned that the rainy spell may extend into the first few days of February, with light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h expected from January 31 to February 2. The weather department also forecasts a partly cloudy sky on February 4 and 5, along with shallow to moderate fog during the morning hours over the next six days.

Meanwhile, dense fog conditions are expected in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and East Rajasthan during the same period.

On Friday, Delhi’s average AQI stood at 238, continuing to fall within the ‘poor’ category, further underlining the need for continued vigilance regarding air quality in the region.