Delhi likely to witness partly cloudy sky today; AQI in 'moderate' category

Delhi is likely to see a partly cloudy sky on Monday, with the minimum temperature to stay at 29 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperature, however, is predicted to reach 40 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature on Sunday was 29 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal, while the maximum temperature was 40.6 degree Celsius, three degrees above normal.

The humidity levels in the last 24 hours have varied between 49% and 69%.

The air quality in the national capital was in the moderate category on Monday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that the hourly air quality index (AQI) at 7 am stood at 130. On Sunday, the average 24-hour AQI was 169, which is in the higher-end of the moderate category. The prominent pollutants in Delhi's air were PM2.5 and PM10.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

On Monday, the Union ministry of earth science's air quality monitoring centre – System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar) – said, "Air quality index indicates 'moderate' air quality, with PM10 as the primary pollutant. Dust (size > 2.5 micrometer) contributes around 68% of PM10."

Safar predicted that for the next three days till June 29, the peak wind speed is likely to be around 18-20 km/hour, causing moderate dispersion; AQI is likely to be within 'moderate' or 'lower end of poor' category. Moderate temperature (around 39-41 degrees Celsius) and mixing of air layers will maintain moderate ventilation by convection, thereby marginally improving air quality.