Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens To ‘Poor’ At 221, IMD Predicts Possible Showers Next Week

• Delhi's air quality slipped back to 'poor' with AQI at 221 on February 15.
• Most monitoring stations recorded poor levels despite recent improvement.
• Light rain may occur next week but widespread showers are unlikely.

After a brief improvement in air quality earlier this week, Delhi's pollution levels worsened again on Sunday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 221, placing it in the 'poor' category. The change comes even as winter fades and the national capital experiences warmer days and clear mornings.

AQI dips back to 'poor'

According to the Sameer app, 24 out of 40 monitoring stations across Delhi recorded 'poor' air quality levels, while the remaining stations showed 'moderate' readings. The short-lived relief from toxic air has once again raised concerns about breathing conditions in the city.

Residents had seen slightly cleaner air earlier as temperatures rose and cold wave conditions subsided, but the latest readings suggest pollution continues to fluctuate.

Current air quality status:

Overall AQI recorded at 221, categorised as 'poor' across most parts of Delhi
Will Delhi see rain next week?

Weather experts say a series of western disturbances may influence north India around Tuesday and Wednesday next week. These systems could bring light and scattered showers to parts of Delhi and neighbouring states including Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

However, widespread or prolonged rainfall is unlikely, with only brief passing showers expected in some areas.

Delhi weather today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted warmer conditions in the capital with the maximum temperature likely to hover around 27°C and the minimum around 11°C on Sunday.

Morning hours are expected to remain misty over the coming days.
The IMD also noted a slight rise in minimum temperatures over the next few days before a marginal drop later in the week. Skies are likely to remain mostly clear, turning partly cloudy around February 17 and generally cloudy on February 18, with light mist expected during mornings.