Delhi: Air quality turns 'severe' at AQI of 460, authorities recommend staying indoors

Delhi: Pollution levels in Delhi and its surrounding NCR continue to deteriorate as the AQI crossed over 460 on Sunday evening. The AQI had previously stood above 400 but now with the increase it has reached the "severe" category. The thick smog had, however, significantly brought forward the sunset, so by Sunday, it seemed to have arrived as early as 3 PM, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which added that the minimum temperatures had risen by 1.8°C above normal recorded on Sunday at 15.9°C.

AQI touched 429 by Sunday morning 9 AM; by afternoon, it crossed 460. The thick smog has brought breathing difficulties for people as a whole, eye irritation, and scorching pain in the chest. Doctors are advising children, the aged, and chronic patients to remain indoors.
Fog and Poor Air Quality Likely to Last Longer

IMD has predicted that the AQI will continue to remain in the "severe" category, with a range of 401-500 falling in the extremely hazardous category. The weather department has also predicted fog on Monday night and Tuesday morning. Max temperature is expected to reach 30 degree Celsius. However, residents of Ghaziabad and Noida complained about breathing issues and eye irritation.

Many districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana chose to close the state's primary schools when conditions deteriorated. Officials told citizens to stay indoors. Air quality continued to deteriorate throughout the day.