Temperature rises in Delhi, air quality falls to 'Poor'

Weather in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad was comfortable in March till Wednesday, on account of on and off rain and thundershowers making an appearance over northwestern plains. However, last 72 hours have registered sudden rise in the day's temperature.

On Friday, the mercury settled at 32 Degree Celsius in the morning. This increased substantially on Thursday and reached 31 Degree Celsius.

"We expect strong northwesterly winds to commence over Delhi and adjoining areas of Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. Due to this, temperatures might drop slightly but day maximums would not go below 30 Degree Celsius. Hence, we can now announce the arrival of Summer season," said Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency.

"By the end of March, day temperature would reach 36 Degree Celsius and by second of week of April it would even tough 40-degree mark," it added.

However, with the rise of the temperature in Delhi, the air quality index (AQI) has also turned 'poor'.

According to the state-run SAFAR, the AQI of Delhi was docking at 225 at 9 n the morning, which falls in the poor category. The organisation has advised sensitive groups, which includes children and adults to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

In its advisory, it also stated that people residing in Delhi must take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthematics have been asked to keep medicines ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur.

"Heart patients, see a doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," SAFAR added.