New Delhi: The air quality of the national capital improved significantly by remained in 'very poor' category on Wednesday. According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI recorded in Anand Vihar was at 412 ( 'severe' category ), RK Puram 391 ( 'very poor' category) and at Rohini at 439 (severe category) at 5 am in the morning.
On Tuesday also the pollution level of the national capital remained in the 'severe' category with AQI crossing 430 prompting System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) to advise people to avoid outdoor activities.
Read: Delhiites shiver as city records coldest December day in 119 years
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.
Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi took a big tumble on December 30 to settle at 9.4 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest December day since 1901. The factors responsible for such a cold December are a "very long spell" of icy winds and a layer of fog lingering over vast swathes of the northern plains for 10-12 days.
As the frigid air tightened its grip, a blanket of thick fog reduced the visibility to near zero at many places, disrupting train and flight operations. Falling temperatures, low wind speed and high humidity led to a further dip in AQI.
