Delhi's Temperature Rises, Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' Category

Delhi residents woke up to a slightly warmer morning, with the minimum temperature recorded at 21.8 degrees Celsius, nudging one degree above the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a sunny day with partly cloudy skies, predicting the maximum temperature to soar to 37 degrees Celsius.

As of 8:30 AM, the relative humidity stood at 51%, adding a touch of mugginess to the air.

However, the city's comfort is overshadowed by a persistent environmental concern: its deteriorating air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi has been recorded at a concerning 306, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category.

This data, provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), paints a grim picture for the capital's respiratory health.

The outlook for the immediate future offers little respite. SAFAR's forecast indicates that Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category for at least the next three days.

There's a glimmer of hope for improvement, with a possibility of the AQI shifting to the 'poor' category by May 6, but a significant recovery remains distant.

The 'very poor' air quality comes with a stark health warning. Authorities advise individuals with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, as well as children and older adults, to strictly avoid outdoor physical activities.

Even healthy individuals are urged to limit their time outdoors, and if venturing out, to keep activities to a minimum. The city grapples with the dual challenge of rising temperatures and dangerously polluted air, urging residents to take necessary precautions for their well-being.