Smog Blankets City as Air Quality Plummets

Delhi faces thick smog with 'very poor' air quality, AQI reaching 363. Certain areas hit 'severe' levels, prompting strict anti-pollution measures under GRAP stage two. More restrictions may follow if conditions worsen. Temperatures slightly below average, clear skies predicted.

Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog enveloping the national capital on Wednesday morning. The air quality registered in the 'very poor' category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 363.

The pollution levels were particularly high at monitoring stations in Jahangirpuri, Vivek Vihar, and Anand Vihar, which registered AQIs of 418, 407, and 402 respectively, falling into the 'severe' category.

Amidst worsening conditions, the city is currently under stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which means several anti-pollution restrictions are in place. The weather office predicts clear skies today with temperatures slightly below the seasonal average, yet concerns loom large as further restrictive measures, including potential school closures, may be implemented.