New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Residents in the Delhi-NCR region are set to endure poor air quality once more, as sluggish wind speeds have caused pollution levels to fall into the ‘poor’ category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was measured at 214 around 7 a.m. on Monday, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

On Sunday, the national capital's air quality had also dropped into the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI of 221 recorded at the same hour. This figure represented a slight decline from the AQI of 197 observed on Saturday.

According to data from the CPCB, multiple monitoring stations indicated elevated AQI levels on Monday morning. Notable readings included Anand Vihar at 300, Ashok Vihar at 266, Burari Crossing at 240, DTU at 205, and more. Other areas such as Dwarka Sector-8 reported AQI levels of 237, while Jahangiripuri saw 288.

In related news, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on Saturday that the air quality in Delhi resembled a 'gas chamber', asserting that residents of his state were benefiting from a cleaner environment, unhindered by development activities.

Weather patterns might provide minimal relief in the upcoming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain and thunderstorms across parts of northern India on February 16 and subsequent days. However, temperatures in Delhi are expected to stay elevated, with maximums nearing 30 degrees Celsius.

The national capital has experienced above-average warmth in early February, with the average maximum temperature recorded at 25 degrees Celsius, which is 1.9 degrees Celsius higher than the long-term average for this period.

Despite forecasts indicating an active western disturbance in the coming days, a notable temperature drop appears unlikely. The maximum temperature is predicted to gradually rise to 30 degrees Celsius.

On Sunday, Delhi's maximum temperature reached 28.5 degrees Celsius, approximately four degrees above the norm for this time of year. Forecasts suggest that Monday and Tuesday will see similar maximums of around 29 degrees Celsius.

Throughout the first half of February, temperatures exceeded normal levels for 14 days, dipping below 20 degrees only once. The highest temperature recorded this month has been 28.6 degrees Celsius on February 10.

The IMD also predicts that a weak western disturbance may bring isolated drizzles to the city on Wednesday. However, significant temperature drops are not anticipated, with maximums likely hovering around 28 degrees Celsius by the weekend.

These potential drizzles may result in a minor temperature decrease, yet this will only be temporary, likely dropping by 1-2 degrees Celsius. Following February 19, temperatures are expected to rise again.