Delhi's air quality improves to 'satisfactory', AQI recorded at 96

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius on Friday with the weather department forecasting rain and thunderstorm.

The relative humidity was recorded at 69 per cent at 8.30 am, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The maximum temperature is expected to touch 37 degrees Celsius.

Delhi's air quality improved and was recorded in the 'satisfactory' category with a reading of 96.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 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'.

Notably, heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed parts of the national capital on Wednesday, triggering flight delays, metro disruptions, traffic jams and power outages. The intense weather also uprooted trees, damaged vehicles and brought parts of the city to a standstill.

Waterlogging was reported at several locations, including near the Akshardham Flyover, Sikandra Road and under Tilak Bridge near ITO. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (DDL) said electricity supply was temporarily cut in some areas of Delhi-NCR as a safety measure after trees and branches damaged electric cables. 

Rain is expected to persist in the national capital throughout the week (May 20-25), according to the IMD forecast. Thunderstorms and rainfall have been predicted on most days, accompanied by strong surface winds. These conditions are expected to bring some relief from the heat, with maximum temperatures forecast to range between 39 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius.

 

The IMD has also stated that no heatwave conditions are likely during this week.