After four days of remaining in the “very poor” category, Delhi’s air quality improved to the “poor” category on Friday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 270 due to favourable wind speed. However, experts cautioned that the relief may be short-lived, as pollution levels are expected to rise again.

The 24-hour average AQI recorded till 4 pm on Friday was 270 as against 306 on Thursday, Central Pollution Control Board data showed. However, Delhi was still the second most polluted city in the country, behind Hanumangarh in Rajasthan which recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 277.

A senior India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist said, “Strong wind of 5 to 10 knots on Friday morning helped disperse the pollutants.”

According to Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the air quality is likely to be “very poor” between October 26 and 28. As per the outlook for subsequent six days, the air quality is likely to be in “very poor” to “severe” category.