New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) After a short spell of light rain in the Delhi-NCR region, the air quality has seen a notable enhancement on Thursday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 169, classifying it as 'moderate'.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), various monitoring stations throughout Delhi continued to indicate AQI levels that ranged from moderate to poor. Significant readings included Anand Vihar (249), Ashok Vihar (181), Bawana (193), Chandni Chowk (227), DTU (130), Dwarka Sector-8 (152), IIT Delhi (128), Jahangirpuri (201), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (170), Mundka (203), Narela (157), Nehru Nagar (203), North Campus (120), Okhla Phase-2 (207), Pusa (156), RK Puram (175), Rohini (191), Sonia Vihar (203), and Wazirpur (193).

In the surrounding NCR area, Noida reported comparable pollution levels, with AQI readings at Noida Sector-125 (197), Noida Sector-62 (146), Noida Sector-1 (207), and Noida Sector-116.

Despite the improvement noted on Wednesday, the 24-hour average AQI still stood at 214, according to the 4 p.m. update, placing it in the 'poor' category. This marked the fifth consecutive day that Delhi’s average AQI remained in the poor range, although it was slightly lower than Tuesday’s average AQI of 249.

The light showers experienced across Delhi-NCR on Wednesday (February 18) provided relief from increasing temperatures, aided in enhancing the Air Quality Index, and lifted the spirits of the local residents. Following this improvement in air quality, Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was lifted.

The decision was made by the Sub-Committee on GRAP upon reviewing the latest air quality statistics and weather forecasts. Data from the CPCB indicated that Delhi’s average AQI had been gradually improving over the previous days, declining from 261 on February 16 to 249 on February 17 and further to 214 on February 18, driven by favorable weather conditions.

Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggest that the AQI will likely remain in the 'poor' to 'moderate' range in the upcoming days.

Nevertheless, the rainfall also brought about a slight chill, indicating that winter may not yet be over. Commuters encountered heavy traffic on several major routes, including the Delhi-Gurugram Highway, where an 18-km-long jam severely affected movement.

Delhi is not anticipated to receive additional rainfall soon. Weather forecasts indicate that residents can expect chilly mornings, while daytime temperatures may rise to around 30 degrees Celsius later this week.

The weather is likely to remain misty throughout the day, with temperatures fluctuating between 13 and 27 degrees Celsius. High humidity levels may impair visibility during late-night hours.