Delhi records 'very unhealthy' air quality; AQI dips to 207 ahead of onset of winter

Delhi's expected maximum and minimum temperatures for October 16 are around 32 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively, as reported by the IMD. (Representative Image)

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) dipped to 207 on October 16, according to Accuweather's report. An AQI of 207 means that the air is in the 'very unhealthy' category.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that a rise in temperature is also expected due to an approaching western disturbance, which may bring light rain or thundershowers on October 16 and 17.

Delhi's expected maximum and minimum temperatures for October 16 are around 32 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively, as reported by the IMD.

An AQI reading between 0 - 19 is considered 'Excellent', an AQI of

20 - 49 is considered 'Fair', while this air quality is mostly comfortable for all individuals, however, sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure.

Also Read: In photos: Mumbai, Delhi among world’s 10 most polluted cities

An AQI reading of 50 - 99 is considered 'poor', it means that the air has reached a high level of pollution and is unhealthy for sensitive groups. An AQI reading of  100 - 149 means that the air is 'unhealthy' and health effects can be immediately felt by sensitive groups. Healthy individuals may also experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure.

An AQI of 150 - 249 is considered 'very unhealthy' and once the AQI is in this category health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups and should avoid outdoor activity. Healthy individuals too are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation.

An AQI of 250 and above is considered 'dangerous' and any exposure to the air, even for a few minutes, can lead to serious health effects on everybody.

Also Read: Centre's action plan to check air pollution in Delhi comes into force October 1

Data provided by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)  also suggests that there has been an increase in farm fires in the states of Punjab and Haryana this year from September to October compared to the same time in 2022 from September 15 to October 15.