Air plunges to worst in a month

NEW DELHI: Calm winds and cooler temperatures continued the sudden descent of Delhi's air into the "severe" category, as the air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday plunged to 433—the worst in nearly a month—blanketing the city in toxic haze again.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

Forecasts showed that the apocalyptic smog was expected to remain over the city for at least another day or two.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the region through Friday, predicting moderate to dense fog during the early hours and at night.

Delhi's AQI has been sharply dropping since December 15, as wind speeds have dropped in the region, leading to the accumulation of local pollutants. The AQI plunged from Sunday onwards—Tuesday's AQI of 433 was a 54-point drop from Monday's 4 pm reading of 379 ("very poor"), which was an 85-point drop from Sunday's 294 ("poor"), according to official data.

The last time AQI breached the 400-mark was on November 23 (412).

Experts attributed this to weakening winds and increased moisture from a western disturbance, which has trapped pollutants.