Delhi’s air quality worsened to the “moderate” category, with an AQI of 193, and is forecasted to reach “poor” by Thursday. Cold northwesterly winds are contributing to the decline in air quality as they transport smoke from farm fires in neighboring states. The minimum temperature dipped below 20 degrees Celsius, slowing down the dispersion of pollutants. Measures have been implemented to mitigate the situation, including shutting down construction sites and encouraging unified commuting. The maximum temperature will remain around 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to drop to 18 degrees Celsius.

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated on Wednesday, but remained in the “moderate” category, after wind speed picked up during the day. Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 193 (moderate) — up from 180 (also moderate) recorded a day earlier. The forecast showed AQI is likely to touch “poor” by Thursday, and may remain in the same zone over the weekend.